- The very mention of iconic Virat Kohli ignites an image of unbridled energy, unparalleled enthusiasm, unbelievable passion, and unquestionable zeal on the field of cricket hitherto unseen in the parlance of Indian cricket history. For several decades, Indian cricketers in particular and the adopted mode of playing cricket, in general, were considered as largely docile lacking that killer instinct and merciless streak to conquer the extremely competitive international sporting arena. Except for sporadic triumphs here and there, the Indian cricket team was considered as less than competitive though always endowed with one or two superstars possessing individual brilliance.
PC: Kiran Singh
- No denying the fact that the Team could not fully realize the potential to become the world-beaters under all conditions though. Enter Virat Kohli who changed the very face of Indian cricket with his no-holds-barred approach and in-your-face aggression lifting the spirits and morale of the team like never seen before. Kohli’s emphasis on intent and uncompromising stand on physical fitness brought in a dynamic change in the way cricket was being played in the country. Playing to win at any cost became his passionate mantra which was at full display in his very first Test match as captain in Australia in 2014 when he went full throttle chasing 360 odd runs but falling short to eventually lose the match.
- The template was clear right from then onwards as to how Team India will shape under Kohli’s leadership which only assumed even more prominence as the days went by. Against this backdrop, it will not amount to an exaggeration to wholeheartedly applaud Virat Kohli for ushering in tremendous changes in the way Indian cricket went about playing under his regime where aggressive body language and demeanor replaced the earlier not-so forceful disposition. The resultant outcome was spectacular as Team India not only took its level of skills to a different upward level altogether but also positioned itself as a team to reckon with while competing overseas.
PC: Deepu Narayanan
- The back-to-back away series victory in Australia will be always considered as one of the most magnificent cricketing achievements under the leadership of Kohli. Away series win in England only added to his overflowing cup of history-defining achievements. Further, Kohli’s biggest contribution must be attributed to his unflinching belief in building a four-pronged pace attack resulting in several overseas victories. His five-bowler theory also had an impactful result over the years. His unexpected resignation from the Test captaincy on the back of an unanticipated series defeat to lesser fancied South Africa was largely anticipated.
- Of course, his well-publicized fall-out with the cricket officialdom in the recent past and the latest drubbing would have hastened Kohli’s decision to resign. Nonetheless, awe-inspiring statistics speak for itself as Kohli is the most successful Indian captain and stands as the fourth most successful overall in the cricketing world. With curtains coming down on Kohli the captain, hopes of Kohli the batter reemerging with all guns blazing bodes well for the Indian cricket. It won’t be surprising if the Master Batter goes on to break every other batting record in the next couple of years. Well done skipper! Look forward to your new unburdened second innings!
