Shardul Thakur has played some of his best Test innings under Virat Kohli the Test captain. One of the Test matches that immediately come to mind is the fourth Test of the 2021 India versus England series in England. With the series tied 1-1, there was everything to play for, going into the contest at The Oval. With India reeling at 127/7, Shardul walked out to bat and scored a brilliant 57 of 36 balls. It allowed India to get to 191 and give Kohli and his team something to bowl at. Shardul then followed it up with another stroke-filled 60 in the second innings and also picked three important wickets to help India register a famous win.
As Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, Shardul reminisced that particular Test match and more, and had this to say about his skipper:
“I always looked at him as a captain and a leader, especially in test cricket. Few memories that I created with him on away tours are unforgettable. He was synonymous with Test cricket and literally carried the format on his shoulders. Today, the format lost it’s best devotee and each one of us, players, fans and anyone associated, will miss him as a red-ball player. Again, wish him the very best but will always savour memories of playing under him and winning many memorable matches with him.”
Clearly, the sport today is poorer with Kohli’s retirement from the red-ball format and he will be missed by fans and colleagues alike.
A Titan’s Testament: Virat Kohli’s Five Immortal Test Innings