India vs England 2020-21: Nasser Hussain credits Virat Kohli for making India a formidable side

India is coming off a challenging yet victorious outing against Australia to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Down Under. India survived numerous challenges against the Aussies, as it looks to move in with the same intensity in the upcoming four-Test series against England.

Team Newsable

London, First Published Jan 26, 2021, 5:26 PM IST

India came up with a difficult challenge for the Aussies, Down Under, as the former successfully retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Meanwhile, India looks to carry the same momentum in the upcoming home series against England for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, involving four Tests.

What was notable that the Indians survived tough mental competition as well from the Aussies. As India prepares to take on England, former Eglish skipper Nasser Hussain feels that it would be futile to have a go at the Indians, since it is a formidable team now, thanks to skipper Virat Kohli's boldness.

"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. They (India) are a tough side. I think Kohli has instilled that. Make no mistake, at home, they are a formidable outfit," he was quoted as saying to Sky Sports.

ALSO READ: Chepauk set to make England feel at home

While India was already dealing with multiple injuries, Down Under, it was also dealing with some racial slur in Sydney. It was followed by some Australians' sledging attempt, especially with no Kohli around, who was on paternity leave. Nonetheless, the Indians overcame it all to emerge triumphant.

Earlier, Hussain had also slammed England's squad selection for the first two Tests against India, criticising its decision to rest wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow. "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 had told Sky.

Last Updated Jan 26, 2021, 5:30 PM IST