Gautam Gambhir lauds Virat Kohli as India's best Test captain
What's the story
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of Team India, has acclaimed Virat Kohli as the nation's finest Test captain.
This statement came during an honest conversation between the two cricketing icons, shared on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) website.
Their discussion focused on Kohli's time as India's Test cricket captain and his leadership journey.
Leadership impact
Gambhir praises Kohli's role in building strong bowling unit
Gambhir commended Kohli for his role in developing a robust fast-bowling unit with the ability to pick up 20 wickets in overseas conditions.
He stated, "What you did brilliantly was that you had built a really-really strong bowling unit."
Gambhir further emphasized that this strategic move played a significant part in making Kohli the most successful captain India have ever seen.
Track record
Kohli's impressive record as India's Test captain
During Kohli's seven-year tenure as India's Test captain, he achieved 40 wins in 68 matches, boasting a win percentage of 58.82%.
His leadership also saw India take the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings for a record-breaking 42 months.
Additionally, under his guidance, India secured their first-ever Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.
Winning mindset
Gambhir credits Kohli for instilling winning attitude
Gambhir credited Kohli for instilling a winning attitude in the team, particularly among fast bowlers.
He highlighted how Kohli's leadership approach led to victories in overseas conditions with players like Shami, Bumrah, Ishant, and Umesh.
Gambhir expressed his desire to foster a similar mindset within the current Test team that values red-ball cricket as the ultimate test of a player's character and personality.
Captaincy reflections
Kohli reflects on his journey as India's Test captain
Kohli, who stepped down as India's Test captain in 2022, reflected on his journey.
He saw the shift from an experienced team to a younger one as an exciting challenge.
He aimed to build a team that could achieve the same recognition as the previous generation.
Under his leadership, India also reached the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in Southampton in 2021.
Captaincy
Kohli's captaincy stats and his numbers as captain
Kohli was India's Test captain for eight years leading the team in 68 matches, (Wins: 40, Losses:17, Draws:11)
These are the most matches for any Indian captain ever in the longest format, surpassing MS Dhoni (60 matches).
According to ESPNcricinfo, as captain, Virat managed 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80 in 68 matches (113 innings).
He also scored his highest Test score of 254* during this time. He owns a record 20 hundreds and 18 fifties.
Numbers
Kohli's overall Test numbers, performance at home and against Bangladesh
Overall, the batter has amassed 8,848 runs in 113 matches (191 innings) at an average of 49.15. Kohli owns 29 Test tons and 30 fifties.
At home, Kohli averages 60.05 racking up 4,144 runs in 50 matches (77 innings). He also has smashed his highest Test score (254*) at home.
However, against the Tigers Kohli has managed 437 runs in six matches at an average of 54.62.
He boasts two centuries and a high score of 204 against Bangladesh.
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
A Very Special Interview 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 18, 2024
Stay tuned for a deep insight on how great cricketing minds operate. #TeamIndia’s Head Coach @GautamGambhir and @imVkohli come together in a never-seen-before freewheeling chat.
You do not want to miss this! Shortly on https://t.co/Z3MPyeKtDzpic.twitter.com/dQ21iOPoLy