IND vs ENG 1st Test: "We will miss Virat Kohli", says a fan ahead of the test match

Virat Kohli (Pic: File Pic)

The first test clash between India and England has started at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The hosts will be missing the services of their star batsman Virat Kohli.

In the ongoing India vs England first test in Hyderabad, a fan said that he would miss the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli but he is excited for Rohit Sharma.

Also Read: IN PHOTOS | IND vs ENG 1st Test: Here's all you need to know

"We really miss (Virat) Kohli because Telugu fans have a huge fan base for Kohli. We miss him playing in Hyderabad... But I am really excited to see Captain Rohit Sharma," a fan said.

Meanwhile, another fan hoped that the hosts would clinch a win against England in the first Test match.

"India will win. Definitely, India will win the match," another fan told ANI.

Previously, Indian skipper Rohit already stated that the way visitors play cricket won't be their concern. The story of the five-match test series will be 'Bazball' against spin.

The last time England clinched a test win on Indian soil was back in the year 2012 under Alastair Cook's captaincy. Kevin Pietersen showcased an extraordinary batting show and with Monty Panesar, Graeme Swann and James Anderson's heroics with the ball, the series ended in the visitor's favour.

Since then, only Australia has managed to almost draw a Test series on Indian soil in 2016-17. While the spin against 'Bazball' unfolds, India batter Shubman Gill will find himself in the spotlight as he looks to establish himself in the No. 3 spot, which belonged to Cheteshwar Pujara till 2023.

The first Test on Thursday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will mark the beginning of a new dawn in the history of Indian Test cricket. The hosts will appear in a Test match without Kohli, Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane in their playing XI for the first time since November 2011.

IND vs ENG 1st Test Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (WK), Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach

(With ANI Inputs)