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Key Points

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes India will struggle without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Test series against England. He warns that India's inexperienced lineup could collapse under England's bowling attack. Panesar highlights Jasprit Bumrah as India's key weapon but questions the batting depth. The series marks Shubman Gill's debut as India's Test captain amid a transition phase.

Key Points: Monty Panesar Says England Benefit From Virat Rohit Test Absence

  • Panesar highlights India's batting inexperience post Kohli-Sharma retirement
  • Warns of potential collapse against England's attack
  • Backs Bumrah as key threat with seam/swing
  • Predicts spin battles with Shoaib Bashir under pressure
3 min read

Absence of Virat, Rohit puts England at a benefit, says Monty Panesar

Ex-England spinner claims India's inexperience without Kohli and Sharma gives England an edge in the upcoming Test series.

"England will benefit from the fact that Virat and Rohit are not playing – Monty Panesar"

By Vipul Kashyap, Mumbai, June 12

Former England spinner Monty Panesar felt England would have an upper hand over India in the five-match Test series in the absence of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. It will be Men in Blues' first bilateral Test series since the famed duo announced their retirement from Test cricket last month.

India will play a five-match Test series against England, which is part of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. The series will be held from June 20 to August 4, with matches scheduled at Headingley in Leeds, Edgbaston in Birmingham, Lord's and The Oval in London, and Old Trafford in Manchester.

While speaking to ANI, Monty Panesar said, "England will benefit from the fact that Virat and Rohit are not playing. Their experience could have been used for India. But they (Team India) are inexperienced. What happens with inexperience?... How will India play against England? We know how England can play. It's possible that India will collapse."

India's two batting bigwigs, Virat and Rohit, bid adieu to the Test format in May, more than a month before the five high-stakes fixtures in England.

Panesar believed the Indian team needs to play smart, adjust to England's conditions, use swing and seam well and should attack in bowling.

"India will have to play very smartly. They will have to adjust to the conditions. They will have to use the swing. They will have to use the seam movement. They will have to attack with bowling."

He also felt that spinners will play a big role in the five-match test series, and Indian batters will attack England finger spinner Shoaib Bashir.

"Spinners will play a big role. Indian batsmen will attack Shoaib Bashir. They will not let him settle. It's a make-in for him. If he is successful in 5 test matches, his test cricket will be long. If Indian batsmen put pressure on him in 5 test matches, he will not be able to control," Panesar said.

He also believed that Jasprit Bumrah will be a big threat for England batters and Shubman Gill, who is leading India for the first time, will be a good captain.

"Bumrah can be a big threat for England. Bumrah is a big factor. He will have to use it well. Old Trafford and Edgbaston are favourites for the seamer. I think Shubman Gill will be a good captain. He will bat well with responsibility. I think he will bat well with responsibility," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul P.
Panesar makes valid points but underestimates our bench strength! Youngsters like Jaiswal and Sarfaraz are hungry to prove themselves. This is their chance to shine 💪 #NewEra
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Priya K.
England conditions will be tough but our bowlers can match them. Bumrah-Siraj combo + Kuldeep's wrist spin gives me hope. Batting needs to step up though 🤞
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Amit S.
Missing Virat's aggression and Rohit's calmness will hurt, no doubt. But cricket is a team game - time for Gill to show leadership. Hope Dravid guides them well!
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Sunita M.
England always talks big before series but we've beaten them in their home before! Remember 2021? This young team has nothing to lose and everything to gain. #BelieveInBlue
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Vikram D.
Honestly worried about our batting lineup. Too many players untested in English conditions. Should've phased out Virat/Rohit gradually rather than sudden retirement before big tour.
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Neha R.
Excited to see new faces! Every legend was once a debutant. Hope our boys get proper preparation time in England before 1st Test. County matches would help 🏏

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