'Could Be Virat Kohli’s Last Tour,': England Legend Makes Huge Claim Before IND Vs ENG Test Series
Stuart Broad recalls Lord's defeat [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X.com]
India are currently at the top of the the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after a memorable 2-0 series win against Bangladesh. With their confidence high, the Indian team will face New Zealand in a three-match Test series at home. However, the real test lies ahead with a highly anticipated five-match series against Australia in November. This series will be crucial, as both teams are battling for the top two spots in the WTC standings.
As part of the next WTC cycle, India’s first major overseas challenge will be a five-match Test series in England, slated for 2025. The series, which promises to be a thrilling contest, comes with the backdrop of India’s near-win in England during their 2021 tour. That series was interrupted by COVID-19, and although India dominated, the final match in 2022 saw England level the series.
Stuart Broad Makes Prediction For IND VS ENG 2025 Series
Recently retired England cricket legend Stuart Broad weighed in on the upcoming India-England series, calling it a “crackerjack.” Reflecting on India’s historic win at Lord’s in 2021, Broad highlighted how much that defeat stung the England dressing room. He noted the intense competition, particularly India’s aggressive performance led by bowler Mohammed Siraj, which secured the victory for India in an emotional match.
“Don’t underestimate how much it hurt England when India won at Lord’s (in 2021) and drew the series. It was an aggressive test match, Mohammed Siraj bowled fantastically well on the final day, a drier pitch and just getting that bit of movement," Broad said at an event to support the launch of Inside Lord's, as quoted by Nottingham Post.
Broad also touched on the excitement within the Indian team, recalling how much that win meant to former captain Virat Kohli.
“It was an amazing, emotional Test match to watch, and I know how much that hurt the England dressing room. Equally, it was very joyous for India to come here - we saw the joy on Kohli’s face and how much that meant to him. I think it’s going to be an absolute crackerjack of a series.”
Could This Be Virat Kohli’s Last Tour Of England?
Perhaps the most intriguing part of Broad’s comments was his speculation that the 2025 tour could be Virat Kohli’s last in England. Kohli, who will turn 36 this year, may be nearing the end of his storied Test career.
“I think it’s going to be an absolute crackerjack of a series. This could be Virat’s last tour of England. They’ve got so much talent and so much depth and England are slightly more youthful and less experienced but have a huge amount of talent and play this front-foot style of cricket,” Broad said.
The five-match series, which kicks off on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, is expected to be a clash for the ages, featuring some of cricket’s biggest stars.