Over the past two months, Virat Kohli has gone from skipper in all formats to not being one in any of them. Following the 2–1 Test series loss to South Africa, he announced he was leaving his post. With this, his career as a skipper came to an end.
The man’s record at international level as captain is worthy of pride. He first led the team in 2013 as Deputy MS Dhoni. He achieved the title of Test captain in 2014 when Dhoni unexpectedly retired from the format. In 2017, Kohli also took over the T20I and ODI formats when Dhoni stepped down.
Kohli led India in 213 games. He won 135, lost 60, drew 11, tied 3 while 4 ended in no result. In other words, he was undefeated in 153 matches, an unbeaten rate of over 70%.
AFP
Under Kohli, India won their 1st bilateral ODI series in Australia and South Africa as well as their 1st Test series in Australia. He was also at the helm as India beat New Zealand 5-0 in their own backyard in a T20I series.
When Kohli took over the Test team India was ranked 7th and now when he steps down as skipper we are ranked 1st.
The only thing missing from his cabinet is an ICC Trophy. He got closer though. Kohli led India to the 2017 Champions Trophy final, 2019 World Cup semi-final and 2023 Test World Championship final.
BCCI
India’s most successful captain, easily our most aggressive leader and a man who led by example. In fact, his batting form as a captain has only improved. It’s only been in the last year or so that his batting has gone down.
He is now starting a new chapter as a player for the second time. Kohli can play with more freedom as he aims to break more records.
The man may not have won us trophies, but his record as an Indian skipper in all formats is one he can be proud of.
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