Ever since Virat Kohli started his captaincy stint, one of the primary principles he wanted to inculcate in his team was to be ruthless and aggressive. Playing on home soil, the Indian team had developed that merciless culture. But in the last two foreign series — in South Africa earlier this year and now in England — it is clear the team is still unable to push the line in conditions that are unfamiliar to the players.

India have now lost both the Test series and the old saying of tigers at home and lambs abroad is being echoed. Speaking after the Southampton Test match, Kohli acknowledged the fact that his side had learned to be competitive, but when it came to capitalising on the key moments, they still lacked the skills and drive.