Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy did not just redefine Indian cricket but carved records that have given him a stature as all-time legends. Kohli, succeeding at a testing moment for India, ensured aggressive, personal form transformed India into a strong force in red-ball cricket.
Here are some of the striking records and stats he achieved being the Test skipper for India.
Kohli’s Test Skipper Tenure in Statistics
Virat Kohli led India in 68 Tests from 2014 to 2022. In the process, he has surpassed MS Dhoni for the longest stint by an Indian Test skipper. Dhoni had led India in 60 Tests.
Kohli had 40 wins out of the 68 Tests under his captaincy, with a win percentage of 58.82%, the highest that an Indian Test skipper has enjoyed. Dhoni was the past record holder, India under him won 27 Test matches at a lower win rate than that of Kohli.
Success percentage by Virat Kohli reflects his style of leadership. Therefore, he is the one who stands statistically tall in the success chart as the most successful Test captain from India.
Success on Home Turf; Home victories under Kohli’s captaincy:
Kohli’s captaincy mostly created the front-page news for India with home wins. For India, Kohli has had 24 Test victories at home, contrasting with Dhoni’s previous record of 21 home victories. Under his captaincy, India was almost invincible at home, facing top teams and also thrived well in spinning conditions. His home Test victories were critical to his keeping a good standing of India’s in ICC Test rankings throughout his tenure.
Success Abroad: 15 Wins Outside India
Virat Kohli’s domination on the home soil was equally conscious of making India a better force abroad where the country had never been so successful in Test cricket. With fast bowling and competitive cricket being Kohli’s mantra, he garnered 15 away wins during his tenure as captain and truly reflected what India was capable of in foreign conditions. Some of his notable overseas triumphs include victories in series in Australia and impressive tours in England and South Africa which indeed made India one of the most challenging teams to encounter.
Batting Prowess as Test Skipper
Kohli’s Test captaincy was supported by outstanding personal performance. Along with being a Test captain his batting average remained 55.36, as he aggregated 5,703 runs. This is one of the finest batting averages for a Test captain, showcasing his ability to lead by example. Kohli’s ability to score under pressure and deliver match-defining innings was a significant factor in India’s success under his leadership.
Kohli also scored 20 centuries and seven double centuries as a captain, the second-most in Test cricket after South Africa’s Graeme Smith, who had 25. Such consistency and insatiable hunger for runs makes Virat Kohli one of the more inspiring captains solely through his performance.
Legacy Beyond Numbers
Kohli’s contribution as Test captain of India was way beyond the records set up. Kohli changed the attitude of the Indian team towards the game, with his aggression and competitiveness.
Kohli’s focus on fitness with a very strong pace attack made India a well-rounded team in the world.
Kohli’s last Test match on 11 January 2022 marked the end of an era. While he stepped down from captaincy, his legacy as a player and leader remains intact. His achievements have cemented his place as India’s most successful Test captain, and his records will inspire upcoming cricketers for years to come.
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