The Captain Virat Kohli!

Virat Kohli , one of the greatest batsmen ever to play.

• 50—the highest number of centuries in ODI’s.
• 3x Player of the Series in ICC tournaments. 
• 3x highest run scorer of the tournament.
• Winner of all ICC tournaments

The most successful batsman of the modern era was considered a failed captain. But was he?

Virat Kohli was appointed as the test captain of the Indian Cricket Team in 2014 and became the all-format captain of the Indian Cricket Team in 2017.

When Virat Kohli took over the reins of the Indian cricket team, few could have predicted the seismic shift his leadership would bring to the sport. While his first assignment as captain in Australia may not have yielded immediate success, it marked the beginning of a new era in Indian cricket, one characterized by relentless pursuit of excellence, unwavering self-belief, and a revolutionary approach to the game.

Fitness First: A New Paradigm

From day one, Kohli made it clear that fitness was non-negotiable. He set new benchmarks, leading by example and demanding nothing less than peak physical condition from his teammates. This emphasis on fitness wasn’t just about looking good; it was about enhancing performance, reducing injuries, and creating a team that could outlast and outperform opponents in gruelling test matches and high-pressure situations.

The ‘Fitness First’ mantra became a cornerstone of team selection, pushing players to reach new levels of athleticism. This cultural shift laid the foundation for India’s future successes, especially in the demanding arena of test cricket.

From Respected to Feared: India’s Rise as a Cricketing Powerhouse

Under Kohli’s leadership, India transformed from a team that created interesting contests to one that struck fear into the hearts of opponents. Gone were the days when playing India was just another match for cricketing giants like Australia and England. Kohli’s India demanded respect and special preparation.

The change was palpable. Opposing teams began tailoring their strategies specifically to counter India’s strengths. This shift in perception was a testament to India’s growing dominance across all formats of the game. Suddenly, India was not just competing; they were setting the pace, walking shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.

Conquering New Frontiers: Success Away from Home

One of the most significant achievements of Kohli’s tenure was India’s improved performance in away conditions. Historically, India has struggled to replicate its home success on foreign soil. Kohli instilled a winning mentality that transcended geographical boundaries.

Under his leadership, India broke several long-standing jinxes. They won a test series in Sri Lanka for the first time in 22 years and clinched their maiden test series victory in Australia. Even in England, traditionally a tough hunting ground, India came agonizingly close to a series win, thwarted only by the unexpected intervention of COVID-19.

This success wasn’t limited to test cricket. India’s dominance in the 2019 ODI World Cup and their favouritism in the 2017 Champions Trophy underscored their newfound ability to excel in all conditions and formats.

The Pace Revolution: Unleashing India’s Fast Bowling Arsenal

Perhaps one of the most visible transformations under Kohli was the metamorphosis of India’s fast bowling unit. Traditionally known for its spin prowess, India emerged as a pace powerhouse under Kohli’s aggressive leadership.

Kohli’s love for pace and his belief in its potency as a weapon reshaped India’s bowling strategy. “For the next 60 overs, they should feel like hell” is how Kohli pepped the team in the huddle, especially the bowlers, indicating them to go all out and make it unplayable for England. This shift in mindset, coupled with the emergence of world-class talents like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ishant Sharma, elevated India’s pace attack to one of the best in the world.

Revitalizing Test Cricket: A Champion’s Crusade

At a time when Test cricket’s popularity was waning, Virat Kohli emerged as its most ardent advocate. His passion for the longest format of the game was infectious, aligning the entire team with his vision to excel in tests.

Kohli’s aggressive brand of cricket turned test matches into thrilling spectacles. His commitment to attacking play, even in the face of potential defeat, breathed new life into the format. This approach not only yielded results but also reignited fan interest in test cricket, cementing Kohli’s legacy as one of the best test captains in history.

Raising the Bar: Fielding Excellence

Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India’s fielding standards reached new heights. Historically, India was known for producing great batsmen, but fielding was often an afterthought. Kohli changed this perception dramatically.

He instilled a new fielding culture characterized by aggression, intent, and a refusal to concede even a single run easily. The entire team bought into this philosophy, resulting in a marked improvement in India’s overall fielding quality. This change not only saved runs but also created pressure on opposing teams, contributing significantly to India’s success.

A Legacy of Dominance

Kohli’s tenure as captain saw India reach multiple finals and semi-finals in ICC tournaments, dominating bilateral series both home and away. Under his leadership, India climbed from 7th to 1st in the test rankings, maintaining the top position for an impressive five consecutive years from 2017 to 2021.

The fruits of Kohli’s labour are evident in India’s current cricketing prowess. The team’s ability to dominate ICC tournaments and bilateral series is a direct result of the seeds sown during his reign. The changes he implemented—from fitness standards to aggressive play, from pace bowling emphasis to fielding excellence—have become the cornerstones of Indian cricket’s strength today.

It’s crucial to recognize the profound impact of Kohli’s captaincy. Labeling him as a failed captain based solely on ICC trophy wins does a disservice to his transformative legacy. Kohli’s leadership went beyond mere statistics; it changed the very DNA of Indian cricket, setting new standards and creating a template for sustained success.

As we witness India’s continued dominance in world cricket, let’s remember and appreciate the architect who laid the foundation for this golden era. Virat Kohli’s captaincy may have ended, but its impact will be felt for generations to come, shaping the future of Indian cricket and inspiring cricketers around the world.

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