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Team India is currently touring England under the leadership of new Test captain Shubman Gill.

With a fresh lineup, the series marks the beginning of a new era for Indian Test cricket. However, the five-wicket defeat in the opening match has left fans questioning whether the result would’ve been different had a few experienced names been part of the squad.

India’s Missed X-Factors

Kohli’s absence has weakened the Indian middle order. With over 1,000 Test runs in England, including two centuries, his experience in handling English conditions is unmatched. His leadership and mental strength would have been a huge asset in high-pressure situations.

India is clearly missing the presence of senior pacer Mohammed Shami. With Jasprit Bumrah lacking experienced support, the rest of the pace attack—Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur—has been expensive despite picking up wickets.

Shami’s record in England is impressive: 42 wickets in 14 Tests, making him a crucial absentee.

Swing-friendly conditions in England are ideal for someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar. His ability to move the ball both ways could have made a big impact.

Similarly, Ishant Sharma has an excellent track record in England, including a memorable 7-wicket haul at Lord’s in 2014. His experience and discipline would have bolstered the pace attack.

India suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first Test against England in Leeds, struggling with inconsistent bowling and missed opportunities.

As they prepare for the second Test at Edgbaston, the team is focused on correcting fielding lapses and improving their batting resilience to level the five-match series and regain momentum.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are personal and based on observation. They do not reflect the official views of the Indian team or selectors.