Virat Kohli’s tenure as the captain of India’s Test cricket team was marked by an aggressive approach, a relentless pursuit of excellence, and a shift towards fitness and mental toughness that has significantly altered the landscape of Indian cricket. Among his numerous achievements, three Test match wins stand out as particularly memorable, not just for the results they yielded but for the narrative they added to captaincy story of Virat Kohli.
The Triumph in Australia –
The 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia was a defining moment for Kohli’s captaincy. India, traditionally underdogs in Australia, managed to break a 71-year drought by winning their first-ever Test series Down Under. The series was a testament to Kohli’s strategic acumen and the sheer hard work put into building a team that could compete in alien conditions.
India’s win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the third Test was particularly iconic. After losing the first Test in Adelaide, India bounced back with a historic win in Melbourne, chasing down 263 against a formidable Australian attack. Kohli’s leadership was exemplary; he not only led from the front with the bat but also managed his bowling resources brilliantly, especially the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma, who were instrumental in dismantling the Australian batting line-up. This victory was a clear signal that Indian cricket was entering a new era, one where they could challenge and defeat any team in their backyard.
The Johannesburg Miracle –
Another unforgettable chapter from Kohli’s captaincy was the Johannesburg Test in 2018 against South Africa. Winning in South Africa is often cited as one of the toughest tasks in Test cricket, given the conditions that favor fast bowlers and the historically strong South African teams.
India, trailing 0-1 in the series, managed a thrilling six-wicket win in Johannesburg, largely due to Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and the team’s resilience. The match saw India bowl South Africa out for a modest total in the first innings, but the real magic happened when India, in reply, put up a competitive score thanks to a solid partnership between Virat Kohli and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. However, it was the second innings where Kohli’s decisions shone through. His strategic field placements and timely bowling changes led to South Africa being bowled out for just 240, setting India a target of 241 to chase in the fourth innings on a pitch assisting the bowlers. This chase was clinched with a combination of grit from the top order and some late-order heroics. The Johannesburg win was not just about the result but about how Virat Kohli and his team turned a near-impossible situation into a victory, showcasing mental fortitude and tactical superiority.
The Lord’s Conquest –
Virat Kohli’s captaincy also left an indelible mark at the Home of Cricket, Lord’s, in 2021. Winning at Lord’s has always been a prestigious achievement for any cricket team, and for India, victories there have been few and far between. Under Kohli’s leadership, India managed to secure a memorable victory in the second Test of the series against England.
The game was a rollercoaster, with England initially dominating after choosing to bat first. However, what followed was a masterclass in captaincy by Virat Kohli. India’s bowling attack, led by a sensational spell from Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, restricted England to a below-par score in their second innings. India’s batting, although shaky at times, managed to set England a challenging target, thanks to some crucial contributions from the middle order. The match boiled down to the last day with England needing to chase down a competitive total, but the Indian pacers, particularly Ishant Sharma, delivered one of the finest bowling performances at Lord’s, securing India a 151-run victory. This win was not just about the scoreline but about how Virat Kohli managed his resources, kept his team motivated, and made critical decisions under pressure.
Virat Kohli’s Legacy
These victories under Virat Kohli’s captaincy are not just numbers in cricket’s historical books; they narrate the story of a transformation in Indian cricket’s ethos. Kohli’s leadership was about instilling a belief in his players that they could win anywhere, against anyone. His aggressive approach, focus on fitness, and emphasis on team culture have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
While Kohli’s tenure was also marked by moments of disappointment, like not clinching an ICC trophy as captain, these wins in Melbourne, Johannesburg, and Lord’s paint a picture of a captain who changed how India played Test cricket. They showcased a team that could dominate with pace bowling abroad, a team with the resilience to come back from behind, and a team capable of memorable victories at historic venues.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s captaincy in Test cricket will be remembered for these and many other victories, but particularly for how he forged a team that was fearless, fit, and always ready to fight. His leadership has set a high bar for future Indian captains, embedding a philosophy that cricket is not just about playing the game but about playing to win, against all odds.
