India’s narrow defeat in the Lord’s Test felt like a case of “so close, yet so far.” Despite a fighting lower-order stand from Ravindra Jadeja and some gutsy bowling, the visitors fell short by just 22 runs in a chase of 193. It was the kind of situation tailor-made for a player like Virat Kohli — calm under pressure, experienced, and driven. And for the first time on this tour, India might have truly missed their former captain.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, former England pacer Steve Harmison praised India’s overall performance but pointed out what he felt was a missing ingredient — the killer instinct Kohli brought to pressure situations.
‘Kohli Would’ve Won It Comfortably’
“India scored more hundreds, took more new ball wickets, and their top order looked solid. But England found a way to win,” said Harmison. “That’s the difference a guy like Virat Kohli makes. He brings belief. In a fourth-innings chase like this, he would’ve finished the job.”
Kohli’s record in fourth-innings chases in Tests isn’t his strongest, but Harmison wasn’t talking stats. He was talking mentality — the ability to take charge when the game hangs in the balance. And in his view, India lacked that presence at Lord’s.
India Needs to Start Believing — Especially Gill
Harmison also offered a message aimed at India’s new generation, particularly Shubman Gill. “This is where India needs to start believing they can win. That belief — that edge — is what Virat brought. And that’s what this team needs to find.”
Gill, now batting at No. 4 in Kohli’s absence, came in with India at 40/2 — a critical moment in the chase. But rather than steadying the ship, he looked tentative and fell early, handing momentum back to England.
It’s not a knock on Gill’s talent — he’s been in terrific form this series — but it was a moment where poise and belief could’ve made all the difference.
Gautam Gambhir Also Called on to Reinforce Mindset
Harmison didn’t stop with the players. While not directly criticizing, he hinted that former players like Gautam Gambhir — now a mentor figure in Indian cricket — need to help build that belief in the dressing room. This young team clearly has the talent. Now, they need the mindset to close out big moments.
Eyes on Old Trafford: Can India Bounce Back?
With the series now at 2-1, all eyes turn to the final Test at Old Trafford. India has shown they can dominate sessions and put England under pressure. But as Harmison rightly noted, winning sessions isn’t enough — finishing games is what counts.
Whether India can do that without Kohli remains to be seen. But for Shubman Gill and this young side, the challenge is clear: find that inner steel, start believing, and turn close defeats into memorable wins.
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