Virat Kohli’s tenure as India’s Test captain marked a transformative era for the team, characterized by dominance, historic victories, and an aggressive leadership style that inspired players.
Kohli, alongside head coach Ravi Shastri, fostered an environment where India’s pace attack flourished, becoming one of the most formidable in the world. Under their guidance, India achieved historic series wins in Australia and drew a series in England, showcasing their resilience and adaptability.
Kohli’s aggressive captaincy left an indelible mark on the players who played under him. Leg-spinner Karn Sharma, who made his Test debut under Kohli, lauded the former skipper’s leadership style.
In his first Test as captain, Kohli’s unwavering determination to win was evident. Despite facing a daunting target of 363 in the fourth innings, Kohli instilled a belief in his team that they could chase it down. “We are going to chase it down,” he declared, injecting positivity into the dressing room.
Although India ultimately fell short by 48 runs, Kohli’s flamboyant 141 off 175 balls demonstrated his unwavering belief in his team’s abilities. “It was a different approach,” said Karn. “His words sent a wonderful indication to the players in the dressing room, that your captain has different plans.”
Kohli’s resilience was also evident in his ability to overcome poor form. Despite enduring a rough patch during India’s tour to England in 2014, he put that behind him to heap runs in Australia.
“He always gave the impression that everything is fine,” said Karn. “Through his preparations, fitness, mental approach, Kohli never appeared too bothered or was fretting over the fact that he had a bad Test series.”
Kohli’s leadership style not only inspired his players but also left a lasting legacy on Indian cricket. His aggressive approach, unwavering determination, and ability to overcome adversity continue to serve as a model for future generations of cricketers.
