India vs England 2021: “Virat Kohli Will Step Down From Captaincy If India Loses Second Test”, Says Monty Panesar

Given that Virat Kohli is under tremendous pressure as captain after India lost the first Test against England in Chennai by 227 runs, former England spinner Monty Panesar feels that if the home side lost the second Test in Chennai as well, Kohli might step down from captaincy altogether.

The first Test loss in Chennai for India’s fourth consecutive one under Virat Kohli’s leadership, something that has been bugging the cricket experts and fans alike. The situation became more serious after Virat Kohli left for India on paternal leave as India lost the Adelaide Test after being bowled out for 36 runs, their lowest score in one Test innings.

Ajinkya Rahane then took over as captain and led India to a 2-1 series win over Australia in their own backyard, with wins in Melbourne and Brisbane and a hard-fought draw in Sydney. And since then, the argument of Rahane becoming full-time Test captain has gained weight, given his success as he has not lost a single Test while leading the team.

The team is simply not doing well under Virat Kohli’s captaincy: Monty Panesar

Former England spinner Monty Panesar has stated that Kohli’s Test captaincy career could come to an end if India loses the second Test.

“Virat Kohli is one of the greatest batsmen of all-time. But the team is simply not doing well under him and we have the result in the last four Test that India played under him. I think Kohli will be under pressure and more now because Rahane has done phenomenally well as the captain,” Panesar said during an interview with Wion.

India has lost four straight Test matches under Kohli, starting with a 0-2 series loss in New Zealand in 2020, the Adelaide Test loss to Australia, and now this heavy defeat to England.

“India have already lost four Tests in a row and if the number goes to five in the next match, then I think he will step down from his role,” the 48-year-old added.

Panesar further lauded Joe Root and the England team for a brilliant win in Chennai, reserving special praise for Root’s captaincy, and said that the team needs to savor this moment.

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