Virat Kohli silences doubters with bold return to form in 2nd Test

Virat Kohli answered his critics in emphatic style on 18 June, when his unbeaten 85 powered India to a crushing 10-wicket win over England in the second Test at Lord’s.

What happened?

Kohli walked out to bat with India needing 170 to win after England’s first innings collapse. He saw off the new-ball threat, then drove the game deep into the fourth evening with a masterclass of controlled aggression. His eighth Test century at Lord’s: and first since 2018: came off 117 balls, with 11 fours and a six. The standout moment: a straight six off Stuart Broad that signalled intent to every spectator in the Nursery Ground.

Why it matters for Virat Kohli

The innings ended weeks of speculation over Kohli’s future in Test cricket. Former India coach Ravi Shastri had publicly questioned Kohli’s willingness to adapt his game, telling a TV panel that the veteran needed to “listen more and play more fearless.” Kohli’s response was written in runs, not words. His 85* came at a run a ball, turning a tricky chase into a rout. The win levelled the series at 1-1 and kept India’s hopes of retaining the Pataudi Trophy alive.

What comes next?

India now push for a series-levelling win in the third Test at Edgbaston starting 25 June. Kohli will walk out again, but this time with a clear message: he’s still the man to bank on in tough chases. The selectors have no reason to tinker. The dressing room has one less voice asking questions. And Kohli? He’s back to doing it his way: and the results speak for themselves.

England’s attack looked toothless once Kohli got set. Zak Crawley’s dropped catch at slip off Jack Leach’s over was the final straw. By the time Kohli flicked Broad to fine leg for six, the game was already dead. The 10-wicket margin was India’s biggest away win since 2018, and Kohli’s 13th overseas Test hundred put him level with Sachin Tendulkar for most by an Indian abroad.

The Lord’s faithful gave him a standing ovation as he walked off. The numbers tell the story: 85* off 117, eight fours, one six. But the real stat? Zero outs in the chase. Kohli didn’t give them a single chance to celebrate.