With just one day left for the India and England’s four-match Test series to begin, the ‘Voice of Cricket’ Harsha Bhogle has addressed two off-the-field key points that will be crucial for the success or failure of the hosting side.

India clearly start favourites. There are two things though they need to be careful about. One, the glow of a great win can linger a little too long (and that is understandable). Two, the discussion around captaincy cannot filter into the team. This is now Kohli's team again.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 4, 2021

“India clearly start favourites. There are two things though they need to be careful about. One, the glow of a great win can linger a little too long (and that is understandable). Two, the discussion around captaincy cannot filter into the team. This is now Kohli's team again,” Bhogle tweeted.

Addressing The Two Issues

1. Confidence From Winning The Australian Series

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If there is a lesson to be learnt from the series in Australia it’s that overconfidence can take down even the greatest of teams against the most struggling opponents when it matters the most.

While it is understandable and well-justified that the rejuvenated Men in Blue will be in high spirits and are clear favourites at home, underestimating Joe Root’s men will be the biggest mistake the squad can make.

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It is also important to note that after Australia’s decision to skip the South Africa Test series threw a wrench in India’s position as the best performing team in the World Test Championship, they must not let the series end in a draw and will have to win at least two matches in order to progress to the finals. 

Read more about the World Test Championship, here.

2. Kohli Vs Rahane Debate

Kohli vs Rahane debate.

Virat is an aggressive captain and an aggressive player. Ajinkya is a little more relaxed on field. Both have important roles in the Indian team: @cheteshwar1, Indian cricketer tells Rahul Shivshankar on Converse India. | #PujaraOnTimesNow pic.twitter.com/bxE7JRQvm5

— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) January 31, 2021

Virat Kohli has been a great leader for the team in red-ball cricket. Over the 56 matches he has captained the squad, India have won 33 and lost 13, while 10 matches have ended in a draw. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane has led India in five matches, winning four of them and drawing one. Yes, India remains undefeated in Test cricket under Rahane’s leadership. 

Obviously, this has led to the fans drawing comparisons between the two elite cricketers.

However, this must not trickle down into the Indian dressing room and must not become a cause of friction within the squad as team chemistry will be of essence while going against a team as good as England.

Although ever since coming back from Down Under, Rahane has time and again spoken about how he does not wish to take Kohli’s spot and he is more than happy to play for the team as the second in command.

The first of four Test matches between India and England will take place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai starting at 9:30 am IST.

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