IND v ENG 2021: Nasser Hussain credits Virat Kohli for making India a tough side

Hussain feels Team India can't be bullied now, whether on or off the field.

By Salman Anjum - 26 Jan, 2021

Virat Kohli often gets the credit for transforming Indian cricket – fitness-wise as well as attitude-wise –and former England captain Nasser Hussain recently has his say on the same subject.

According to Nasser, Kohli has instilled a fighting attitude in the current Indian team, which does not get bullied in tough times, be it on or outside the field.

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Hussain’s comments came in the wake of Australia’s embarrassing Test series loss at the hands of India on home soil even though the visitors were badly hit by injuries and without their regular skipper Kohli (paternity leave). 

Nasser Hussain also issued a warning to the England team ahead of their four-Test series against India, starting February 5 in Chennai.

"Any side that can go to Australia, go 1-0 down after being bowled out for 36, lose Kohli because he's going home on paternity leave, lose your bowling attack and still come back and win after some of the stuff that went on off the field in Australia, they won't be bullied," he told Sky Sports.

"They (India) are a tough side. I think Kohli has instilled that. Make no mistake, at home, they are a formidable outfit."

Having whitewashed Sri Lanka in the just-concluded two-Test series, England must have gained a lot of confidence but Hussain urged the tourists to field their best eleven in the opening Test.

Earlier, Nasser Hussain had expressed displeasure over  England's decision to rest Jonny Bairstow for the first two Tests against India.

"That's a really good sign that they're doing that, with harder tasks ahead. The Ashes, India home and away, New Zealand confirmed, but that is great momentum and confidence going into an iconic series which is India away," he said.

"...I was brought up in India and I've always seen India vs England as one of the great series - all I would have asked is turn up to Chennai with your best 13 to 15 players.

"I think England fans have earned the right for their best team to be there that first day. If it means (Stuart) Broad and (James) Anderson playing together because it's a bit green, worry about the Ashes down the line."

(With PTI inputs)

By Salman Anjum - 26 Jan, 2021

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