Virat Kohli’s tenure as the captain of the Indian cricket team is marked by both remarkable achievements and significant challenges. Taking over the reins in 2014, Kohli led the team with passion, aggression, and a burning desire to win. His leadership style, often described as intense and uncompromising, brought both successes and controversies. In this article, we will explore the highs and lows of Kohli's captaincy, reflecting on how his approach shaped Indian cricket during one of its most exciting eras.
Highs: Key Achievements as Captain
One of the most notable achievements of Virat Kohli’s captaincy was India’s rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings. Under his leadership, India became a dominant force in Test cricket, especially at home, where they remained nearly unbeatable. His focus on fitness, discipline, and a fast-bowling attack transformed India into a formidable team that could compete anywhere in the world.
Kohli’s aggressive approach also led to some historic series victories abroad. The most significant of these was India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a milestone that cemented his legacy as a leader who could break new ground for Indian cricket. His emphasis on fast bowlers paid off during this tour, with the pace attack playing a crucial role in the victory.
In the limited-overs formats, Kohli led India to numerous series victories, both at home and overseas. His ability to chase down big scores was particularly noteworthy, with the team often performing exceptionally well under pressure. Kohli’s tenure also saw the emergence of a new generation of Indian cricketers who thrived under his leadership.
Lows: Criticisms and Challenges
Despite his many achievements, Kohli’s captaincy was not without its challenges and criticisms. One of the most significant criticisms was his failure to lead India to an ICC tournament victory. Although the team reached the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017 and the semi-final of the 2019 ICC World Cup, they fell short of winning the title. These failures led to questions about Kohli’s ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches and his decision-making under such circumstances.
Another area of criticism was Kohli’s aggressive leadership style. While it often brought out the best in his team, it also led to tensions within the squad. His intense approach sometimes led to friction with teammates and coaching staff, most notably with former head coach Anil Kumble, whose tenure ended abruptly due to reported differences with Kohli.
Kohli’s decision to step down as the captain of the T20I side after the 2021 T20 World Cup and later as ODI captain was also seen as a sign of his leadership being under strain. The decision followed a period of mixed results and growing scrutiny over his tactics and team selections. The pressure from media, fans, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) added to the challenges he faced during the later stages of his captaincy.
