Virat Kohli has bid farewell to Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy that firmly establishes him as the greatest Test captain India has ever seen. He led India in 68 matches, winning 40 of them—a remarkable win percentage of 58.82. But beyond the numbers, it’s the transformation he brought to the team that makes him a generational leader.
Built a Pace Line-up
Before Kohli’s reign, India’s bowling strategy in Test matches heavily relied on spin. But the moment he took over, he pivoted to a pace-dominant attack. Under his leadership, pacers like Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, and later Mohammed Siraj became key match-winners. Kohli wasn’t afraid to field four seamers, especially in overseas conditions—something rarely seen before. This tactical shift allowed India to compete fiercely on foreign soil and contributed to historic wins.
Focused on Getting 20 Wickets
Traditionally, India played with seven batters and four bowlers, often relying on part-timers like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, or Yuvraj Singh to chip in. Kohli flipped the script. He believed that winning a Test match meant taking 20 wickets—and for that, he needed a full-fledged bowling attack. He boldly dropped a batter and introduced a five-bowler strategy. This approach was revolutionary and played a big role in India’s improved win rate during his tenure.
Led by Example
India has had great Test captains, but none have matched Kohli’s contribution with the bat. He is India’s highest run-scorer as Test captain, amassing 5,864 runs in 68 matches. MS Dhoni follows with 3,454 runs, and Sunil Gavaskar is third with 3,449. Kohli also leads in centuries as captain, scoring 20, far ahead of Gavaskar’s 11. His ability to lead from the front inspired his teammates and anchored the Indian batting lineup.
Instilled a Killer Instinct
Kohli’s tenure was marked by fearless cricket and a never-back-down attitude. His aggressive style of leadership fostered a competitive mindset within the team. Under him, India played to win—draws or moral victories weren’t enough. His famous words before Day 5 of the Lord’s Test in 2021—“For 60 overs, they should feel hell out there”—epitomized this fire. India went on to win that match, a perfect example of how Kohli’s mentality changed the team’s DNA.
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