Indian cricket has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, and much of it is credited to the leadership of Virat Kohli.
In a recent BCCI-arranged interview, head coach Gautam Gambhir shared his thoughts on Kohli’s journey, hailing him as India's most successful Test captain.
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Virat Kohli's transition into Test captaincy
Virat Kohli’s journey as India's Test captain began under challenging circumstances. He took over the reins at the age of 25, following MS Dhoni's retirement from Test cricket in early 2015.
Although his first stint as captain came during the Adelaide Test of December 2014, Dhoni's absence due to injury paved the way for Kohli to step into a leadership role. After Dhoni’s final Test in Sydney, Kohli officially became India’s full-time captain.
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Kohli realized that the team needed to rebuild its identity, which prompted his meticulous approach to shaping India's future in Test cricket.
"The thing that excited me about Test cricket and when I was coming up as captain was the challenge. We were transitioning when you guys had made way for a youngster team and Mahi bhai left Test captaincy. I was 25, so for me, it was like 'I am here with a bunch of 24-25 year-old guys. How do we become household names?' We sat down and thought 'I really need to plan this out. This can't happen by chance'," Kohli told India head coach Gambhir.
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How did Gautam Gambhir recognize Virat Kohli’s impact?
Gautam Gambhir, who shared a close working relationship with Kohli, praised the former captain for his remarkable impact on Indian Test cricket.
Gambhir highlighted Kohli's leadership in building a potent bowling lineup, which included the likes of Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, and Mohammed Siraj.
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This five-pronged pace attack became instrumental in securing consecutive series victories in Australia and putting up competitive performances in England.
"I can understand what you might have gone through. A 24-25 year-old boy taking up Test captaincy and then what you did brilliantly was that you had a really strong bowling unit. Test matches are won by taking 20 wickets. Till the time you don't have a strong bowling line-up, you won't [win]. And that is what made you the most successful Test captain in the country," said Gambhir in reply.
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"Credit has to go to you because as a batter it is very easy to have a strong 6-7 batters putting runs on the board but the way you identified and more importantly, the attitude which you brought on the field from fast bowlers. Imagine having people like Shami, Bumrah, Ishant, Umesh and then winning overseas.
"I remember you playing that knock in Adelaide. We were chasing 400; it was your first game as captain, and you still wanted to win that Test match. That is the mindset, that is the culture we want to bring in."
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