Virat Kohli's absence blamed for India's low energy in crucial Sri Lanka Test draw

Virat Kohli's absence from the Indian Test side is being cited as a direct reason for the team's failure to force a win in Colombo.

Did India miss Virat Kohli's fire in Colombo?

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes the team lacked the energy and intensity needed to push for victory on the final day. Sri Lanka, four wickets down with a slender lead, fought back to declare at 429/9, setting India a target of 216. Kaif argued that Kohli, known for his aggressive captaincy and on-field presence, would have kept the side's energy levels high. "Virat Kohli would have been constantly shouting," Kaif said, suggesting his vocal leadership could have changed India's fate. With seven Tests left in their WTC campaign, India now likely need to win at least six to secure a top-two finish.

Is Virat Kohli the best Indian batter overseas?

In a separate assessment of Kohli's legacy, his former teammate AB de Villiers made a bold claim. De Villiers stated that Kohli was "even better than Sachin Tendulkar" when it came to raising the bar for Indian batting in overseas conditions. This comparison highlights Kohli's extraordinary record away from home, a key factor in his status as one of the modern greats. De Villiers' insight comes from their time playing together for Royal Challengers Bangalore and offers a unique perspective on Kohli's impact on the global stage.

Why was Kohli left out of a cover-drive list?

England legend David Gower recently ranked his top five players of the cover drive, a shot Kohli has perfected. Gower's list included himself, fellow Englishmen Ian Bell and Joe Root, and Sri Lankan great Kumar Sangakkara. The exclusion of Kohli, who has 28,359 international runs and 85 centuries, surprised many fans and pundits. Gower, who scored over 8,000 Test runs himself, offered a subjective view that sparked debate about the aesthetics of batting. The discussion underscores how even all-time greats can be overlooked in such lists.

How did Kohli mark Raksha Bandhan?

Away from the cricket field, Kohli celebrated Raksha Bandhan with his family. His sister, Bhawna, shared an Instagram story on August 27 showing her tying a rakhi to Kohli's wrist. She included a photo with his elder brother Vikas as well, accompanied by a heartfelt message: "No matter where life takes us, my prayers will always find you." The personal moment offered a glimpse into the cricketer's family life amid the professional scrutiny.

• Key Takeaways:
• India's WTC hopes were dented by a draw in Colombo, with analysts pointing to a lack of Kohli's intensity.
• AB de Villiers rates Kohli's overseas batting impact higher than that of Sachin Tendulkar.
• David Gower omitted Kohli from his top five cover-drivers, choosing three English players instead.
• Kohli celebrated Raksha Bandhan with his sister, who shared the moment on social media.