Former England captain Nasser Hussain has said that India captain Virat Kohli will have a lot to prove to people discussing the possibility of removing him from Test captaincy and handing it over to Ajinkya Rahane in the aftermath of the Test series win in Australia.

Kohli, who welcomed his first child, a daughter Vamika with actress Anushka Sharma, played just one Test in Australia before Ajinkya Rahane had stepped into Kohli’s place after the regular Indian captain returned home.

Rahane captained India to a historic 2-1 Test series win including a record 328-run chase in Australia’s fortress Gabba, Brisbane, handing them a defeat at the venue for the first time in 32 years. Hence, many former cricketers and experts are of opinion that Rahane should be made permanent captain in Tests and have Kohli play as a batsman.

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“Kohli might have a point to prove with everyone talking about Ajinkya Rahane’s captaincy in Australia,” Hussain was quoted as saying by Daily Mail. 

“England have got a chance, absolutely, the way they’re playing. The brand and style of cricket Joe Root and Chris Silverwood have put together has made them much better away from home. But, make no mistake, this and Australia away are the two hardest challenges for an England side. They will need to start well,” the former England captain added. 

The first two Tests of the four-match series between India and England will be played in Chennai, the birthplace of 52-year-old Hussain. He further points out that England’s hopes will be pinned on the form of captain Joe Root.

“Root will need big runs again because you can score 400 as a side in the first innings in India and still lose. India are very strong but Ravindra Jadeja’s injury is a massive blow. We saw England struggle against left-arm spin in Sri Lanka. I’m also concerned about left-handers against Ravi Ashwin,” Hussain felt.

(Daily Mail inputs)