Virat Kohli: The Architect of a High Voltage Era in Indian Cricket

Captained in 68 Test matches.  

Won 40 of them.  

Scored 5,884 runs as captain at a formidable average of 54.80, with 20 centuries.  

But numbers, while impressive, only skim the surface of what Virat Kohli truly represented. In the grand theatre of sports, legendary captains transcend statistics. They mould legacies—ones that resonate beyond victories, embedding themselves into the hearts of fans and foes alike. Kohli was such a captain—a force that redefined Indian cricket not just by results but by attitude and ambition.  

From the moment he led India in his first Test match at Adelaide in 2014, Kohli embodied something greater than leadership. He became a symbol of belief—hope personified in flesh and blood. In that historic Adelaide game, chasing a daunting target, he didn’t play to survive; he played to win. Though Australia narrowly escaped his pursuit, Kohli’s intent was unmistakable: Indian cricket would no longer be content with playing it safe. It was the dawn of a new era—one where dreams, however impossible, were worth chasing.  

Kohli’s captaincy echoed the spirit of Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi’s defiant elegance and Sourav Ganguly’s relentless audacity. But it added something distinct—a fearless aggression that demanded excellence not only from batters and spinners but, crucially, from fast bowlers.  

Revolutionizing India's Bowling Arsenal  

Historically, Indian cricket was known for spin wizardry. The off-breaks of Erapalli Prasanna, the guile of Bishan Singh Bedi, and later the magic of Anil Kumble kept India competitive in home conditions. Even Kapil Dev, a rare fast-bowling genius, was the exception, not the template. India’s bowling identity remained rooted in the turning pitches of Chennai and Kanpur.  

When Kohli took over as full-time captain in 2015, spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja remained central figures. But Kohli understood that to conquer cricket’s final frontier—victory in conditions abroad—India’s bowling needed evolution. The key was pace. And under Kohli’s leadership, Indian cricket witnessed a revolution.  

In partnership with head coach Ravi Shastri, Kohli backed a new breed of fast bowlers, turning them from supporting acts into lead protagonists. Mohammed Shami’s relentless seam movement, Jasprit Bumrah’s unorthodox brilliance, Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing mastery, and the rejuvenated Umesh Yadav formed the backbone of India’s pace battery. Even Ishant Sharma, once written off, found redemption and resurgence under Kohli’s guidance. Later, young firebrands like Mohammed Siraj would carry the mantle forward, fueled by the same aggressive ethos.  

The Fast-Bowler’s Captain  

Kohli’s leadership style meshed seamlessly with his pace unit’s ambitions. In him, they found a captain who relished aggression—a leader who believed that winning wasn’t merely about containment but about dominance. His fast bowlers responded in kind, producing thrillingly hostile spells: late swing at searing speeds, wicked bounce from back-of-length deliveries, and bouncers that snarled like feral beasts.  

The shift was palpable. India, once perceived as a team vulnerable outside Asia, now boasted an attack capable of rattling the best batting lineups in their own backyards. Kohli’s men weren’t just competing—they were conquering. A Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, the first in Indian history, was emblematic of the transformation. And the aura of India’s pace battery became a thing of folklore, reshaping how Indian cricket would be viewed for generations to come.  

Legacy Beyond Numbers  

Many argue that Kohli merely benefited from a system that had begun nurturing fast-bowling talent before his tenure. But recognizing potential and moulding it into something extraordinary is an art not every leader masters. Kohli did. He not only deployed his resources effectively but also instilled belief—belief that India could win anywhere, against anyone, and in any conditions.  

He also returned Test cricket to the centre stage, breathing new life into the longest format with his unapologetic passion for the game. Kohli’s India didn’t play to draw or delay—they played to dominate. His team chased victories with a fervour that made every Test series feel like a contest of consequence.  

Great captains do more than win matches; they leave behind a culture. Kohli’s tenure set a new benchmark for intensity, preparation, and ambition. And though his tenure ended, his shadow lingers—every fast bowler charging in with menace, every batter walking out with swagger, carries a bit of Kohli’s essence with them.  

The Path Ahead  

It is now up to the next skipper to carry forward this legacy. Maintaining such a high standard will be daunting. Kohli’s era was one of constant elevation—of breaking new ground and redefining limits. The expectations will weigh heavily on his successor, but the blueprint is clear: play fearlessly, aim high, and never settle.  

The question isn’t just whether the next captain can replicate Kohli’s numbers but whether they can uphold the culture he cultivated—a culture where the pursuit of excellence never rests and where the impossible is merely another challenge to be embraced.  

Kohli's reign wasn’t just about wins or records—it was a manifesto for modern cricket. And like all great legacies, it will remain etched in the annals of the game, inspiring those who dream, dare, and lead.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh Cricket at Crossroads: The Exit of Ottis Gibson is a Big Loss

 

Ottis Gibson’s cricketing journey has always been about leaving an indelible impact. Whether as a player or a coach, Gibson’s career is marked by resilience, innovation, and a fierce determination to succeed. His contributions, both on and off the field, underscore the depth of his character and his unwavering commitment to the game.

The Player: A Heart Full of Fire

As a player, Gibson was a hard-hitting late middle-order batter and a medium-fast bowler who delivered some of the most memorable performances in cricket. Despite facing injuries and limited opportunities in Test cricket, he made his presence felt in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). In his 15-match ODI career, Gibson’s top score of 52 against Australia and best bowling figures of 5/42 against Sri Lanka highlighted his potential. He achieved another five-wicket haul and two four-wicket spells, finishing with an impressive bowling average of 18.26.

One of his most iconic performances came in first-class cricket when he took 10 wickets for 47 runs against Hampshire, joining the elite group of bowlers to achieve this feat. In the County Championship, his exploits with both bat and ball, including a Player of the Match performance for Durham in the Friends Provident Trophy, showcased his all-round brilliance. Gibson’s ability to rise to the occasion made him a formidable presence on the field.

The Coach: A Catalyst for Change

Transitioning into coaching, Gibson’s impact became even more profound. As England’s bowling coach, he played a pivotal role in the evolution of their attack. Stuart Broad credited Gibson for transforming his approach against left-handers, emphasizing round-the-wicket bowling and exploiting the crease. Under Gibson’s guidance, England’s bowlers, including James Anderson, Ben Stokes, and Mark Wood, reached new heights.

When Gibson took charge of South Africa’s bowling unit, he nurtured talents like Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Anrich Nortje. Rabada’s rise to become the world’s No. 1 bowler was a testament to Gibson’s mentorship, as was the emergence of Ngidi and Nortje as formidable pacers. Gibson’s philosophy of empowering young bowlers while addressing their weaknesses proved invaluable.

Bangladesh: A Short but Significant Tenure

Gibson’s stint as Bangladesh’s bowling coach was brief but transformative. He identified and developed promising fast bowlers like Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Shoriful Islam. His emphasis on fitness, technique, and mental toughness brought out the best in them. Ebadot’s historic performance in New Zealand and Taskin’s resurgence were direct outcomes of Gibson’s guidance. Shoriful, too, blossomed under his mentorship, becoming an effective new-ball partner.

However, Gibson’s tenure ended abruptly, raising questions about the management of Bangladesh cricket. Despite his evident success, his contract was not renewed, a decision emblematic of deeper issues within the system.

The Syndication Problem

Bangladesh cricket’s administration has long been criticized for being influenced by syndication—a network of senior players, local coaches, and officials leveraging political and media connections to maintain control. This environment has driven away several high-calibre coaches, including Chandika Hathurusingha, Steve Rhodes, and now Ottis Gibson. Such politics undermine progress and discourage merit-based decision-making.

Insiders suggest that this syndication prioritizes personal interests over the team’s growth. The reluctance to renew Gibson’s contract, despite his success, reflects a short-sighted approach that prioritizes maintaining the status quo over fostering long-term development.

The Bigger Picture

Gibson’s departure is a loss for Bangladesh cricket and the sport as a whole. His ability to identify and nurture talent and his fearless honesty made him a rare asset. Yet, his exit highlights a systemic issue that threatens to stifle the growth of Bangladesh cricket. If this trend continues, the country risks losing more valuable contributors, jeopardising its cricketing future.

In the long run, the persistence of syndication will only harm Bangladesh cricket. True progress requires embracing meritocracy, fostering transparency, and prioritizing the team’s success over individual agendas. Ottis Gibson’s story serves as both an inspiration and a cautionary tale—a reminder of what can be achieved when talent and integrity are given the space to thrive, and what is lost when they are not.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh rise from the ashes

Our brightest blazes of gladness are commonly kindled by unexpected sparks.

Samuel Johnson

 

Playing Test cricket had become a torture-tale for Bangladesh in the last year and if we consider their performance away from home then it has been a story of disgrace and heartbreaks. Even though there had been shining moments, sadly, they just get overshadowed by the number of defeats and dismal displays. After the frustrating performances last year, the Tigers were scrapping the bottom of the barrel of fortunes in Test cricket. It was time to rise from the ashes; it was time to hit the punch above your weight.

Bangladesh does not have fond memories of New Zealand since they started touring the beautiful country back in 2001-02. Their first-ever tour was nightmarish and apart from some individual flashes of brilliance, Bangladesh stood no chance against New Zealand. And, the outcome was expected the same before the commencement of the first Test at Mount Maunganui.

Cricket is known as the game of glorious uncertainty and when the unexpected happens, it triggers varied emotions – motivates a unit that is suffering from self-confidence, lifts the spirit and histories are created when the unexpected happens.

At times, cricketing fortunes can take by the horns while at times, it is better to let the guardian angel guide the way when darkness prevails – the ride might be bumpy – still, resilience helps a lot during such moments and light is seen at the end of the tunnel – the darkness gives away to a ray of hope, the hope to unite and fight back – gradually, the unexpected becomes expected.

Planning is useful, but the most interesting times in life come from moments that catch you by surprise.

Bangladesh’s majorly low-key performances and with the absence of top players like Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal – had reduced them to a third-string side that can be hammered by any top tier sides within a few days and for the World Test Champions, it should have been a cakewalk.

History was created at Mount Maunganui and it was Bangladesh who added another feather to their less illustrious Test history by bringing an end to New Zealand’s 17-match unbeaten run at home in Test matches. The Champions were dominated by a unit that had played with the intent to win from Day 1 and astonishingly, Bangladesh – a team that was beaten within two days of a rain-affected Test match last month – beat New Zealand in all the departments.

The key to Bangladesh’s success was discipline and patience. Both with the bat and ball, they had been resolved and never dropped their shoulders throughout the five intriguing days.

Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz showed the importance of bowling with a tighter line while the batters – Nazmul Hossain, Mominul Hoque, Mahmudul Hasan and Liton Das showed how important occupying the crease could be - leaving the ball is equally important as playing your shots and runs will come if you spend time at the crease.

A team which is known for their lack of interest in playing the longer formats, the exhibition of the basics of Test cricket by them, not only surprised everyone but at the same, earned a lot of accolades from their harsh critics.

Bangladesh have risen from the ashes and this bright performance should not be overshadowed by strings of defeats – consistency is expected so that victories in Test matches against the top sides don’t become an unexpected one – we do want moments of happiness that would not take us by surprise. 

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer on 05/01/2022 Bangladesh rise from the ashes

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Frustrating England, but they will bounce back because they can!

“England Test team had been blunted in 2021 and this is very alarming for the longer format. England should not fall for the crazy-money-making models; rather make a model of their own that would help them grow organically and fly the flag of Test cricket with pride”

54 ducks in a Test calendar year!

The most Test defeats in a calendar equaling one of the worst Test teams in the history of Test cricket – Bangladesh!

An average of 24.13 runs per wicket is the lowest for England in any year when they have played at least 10 Tests, and the second-lowest with an eight-Test cut-off. Not only has 2021 been a terrible year for England's batters, but it has also been tough for batters in general: the average runs per wicket are the second-lowest, it has been in the last 40 years.

The top 3 of England batting lineup had averaged 21.33 this year in Test cricket, with just one century from 87 innings – Rory Burns' 132 against New Zealand at Lord's. The average of 21.33 is easily the lowest among all teams in 2021, and England's lowest in a year since 1989 when they averaged 18.21 in 33 innings.

The brittle top three meant that when Root came in to bat at number 4 - which he did in 28 out of 29 innings this year - the average score was 35 for 2. (The average at the fall of the second wicket was 35.21.) That is the lowest average score at two down for any team in a year when they have played at least 10 Tests; the next-lowest is 42.15, by West Indies, also in 2021.

In 15 out of 28 innings when he batted at No. 4, England had lost their second wicket before the score had reached 20. In those 15 innings, he averaged 48.13, with two big hundreds against Sri Lanka in Galle - 228, after he came in at 17 for 2, and 186 (5 for 2). When he came in later, his average was over 70, which suggests he would have been even more prolific had England's top three been more solid.

Gosh, how poor England have been this year and when they were complaining about the pitches back in India, it would have been better if they had accepted, their batting lacked technical and temperamental efficiencies.

Back in 2012, when England landed on the Indian soil as the underdogs, they did not complain but focused on the basics more - something, which paid rich dividends as Alastair Cook and his men left the Indian shores victorious.

Resolve was the motto of success for Alastair Cook in 2012 and the mantra was the same back in that historic Ashes win in 2010-11. When you start planning your batting by trusting the defence and patience – the rest follows automatically. The perfect example is dashing batter Rohit Sharma, who has been prolific in white clothes this year courtesy of trusting the defence, leaving the ball and patience.

England know such basics better than anyone, but surprisingly, they have failed to execute them throughout the year.

After being shot out for 68on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) – the bubble finally busted and the top and middle order of the English batting lineup – except Root faced the heat of critics and fans.

Something is not right with England and maybe the whole system needs an overhaul modification.

“If your system is strong and competitive, all the talk about coaching is somewhat peripheral. You'll have a Darwinian system where the best players come to the top of the pile and I don't think it's strong and competitive enough right now. An 18-county system with four competitions is basically too much to fit into too short a space of time,” said Michael Atherton to Sky Sports.

“A shorter, more condensed higher-quality first-class competition would, in the end, allow the best players to come through and they should be able to make the step up to Test cricket.”

“How you get there is not simple, but the fundamentals for Australia came from the fact they have a better first-class system and that's it really - you can over-complicate things.”

“A lot of the summer is given to white-ball cricket, but there's still a majority in England who like Test cricket and Ashes cricket above all. There's anger and frustration that they feel England's Test team has been marginalized and the County Championship has been hollowed out.”

This is the era of white-ball cricket and people love it – but there always has to have a balance between red and white-ball cricket. Perhaps, England lost the focus on five-day cricket – which is highly regarded as the ultimate accolade back in England, New Zealand and Australia - still today.

For commercial and entertainment interest – emphasizing on white-ball cricket is understandable but for that burying red-ball cricket to rest does not suit nations who have given cricket so much and people look up to them when greatness and tradition are concerned.

The batting woes for England in 2021clearly hint to the point of how badly England’s think tank had taken County Cricket less seriously - There has to be planning and some sacrifices along the way to try and help players groom for the long run – for Test cricket.

Although the County Championship program has been reduced from 16 to 14 games in recent years, the bulk of fixtures takes place at either end of the summer, when conditions make it harder for batters to thrive.

By contrast, Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield - contested by six states - comprises 10 matches apiece and a final.

The success of New Zealand in test cricket has been the same when they decided to change the first-class cricket and make it more competitive.

Naseer Hussain said, “These are professional cricketers. It is your game, take ownership of your game. I never walked off, when I was having problems against Courtney Walsh or whoever and said 'you know what, that was my coach's fault'.

“I don't mind you having all these techniques but it is about getting runs. If you've got a problem with pitches go and speak to [ECB managing director of men's cricket] Ashley Giles and tell him the pitches in domestic cricket are not good enough.”

“Look at what New Zealand did, they were going through a similar thing and the one big change they made was in their domestic cricket.”

“They played on better pitches, not flatter pitches, and you can see the results.”

England Test team had been blunted in 2021 and this is very alarming for the longer format. England should not fall for the crazy-money-making models; rather make a model of their own that would help them grow organically and fly the flag of Test cricket with pride.

England had been frustrating…too frustrating – but they will bounce back because they can!

Note: Statistical information taken from ESPNcricinfo

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer on 31/12/2021 Frustrating England, but they will bounce back because they can!

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Ross Taylor: The Unsung Titan of New Zealand Cricket

Heroes often emerge from the most unlikely of circumstances. At first, they remain unnoticed—overlooked, critiqued, and left on the margins. But in the end, their perseverance etches an indelible mark on history. Such figures are often dubbed "unsung heroes," their contributions understated, their greatness sometimes underappreciated. Yet, their impact resonates, reverberating across time and earning them a place among the pantheon of modern-day greats.

Ross Taylor belongs to this rare breed. His name may not always dominate headlines, but his influence on New Zealand cricket is undeniable. A warrior at the crease, a stalwart through turbulent times, and ultimately, a champion who carried his nation's aspirations on his shoulders—Taylor’s career is a testament to determination, resilience, and unwavering excellence.

The Early Struggles: A Rough Initiation into Test Cricket

In 2007, a young Ross Taylor was handed his Test cap in Johannesburg against a fearsome South African side. What followed was a baptism by fire. Dale Steyn, at the peak of his powers, ran through New Zealand’s fragile batting order, and Taylor found himself ill-equipped to counter the relentless assault of fast bowling. Scores of 15 and 4 in his debut match left much to be desired, and doubts loomed over his potential as a Test cricketer.

Yet, Taylor was no stranger to adversity. Of Samoan descent—his mother hailing from the village of Saoluafata—he carried a unique legacy into the sport. Since Murphy Su’a, no other Samoan-origin cricketer had donned the New Zealand cap, and Taylor was determined to leave his mark.

His promise in the shorter formats had been evident from the outset. In 2006, he announced himself with a swashbuckling maiden ODI century against Sri Lanka, laced with 12 fours and six sixes. He followed it up with an 84-run knock against Australia in the Commonwealth Bank Series and later, a second ODI century in 2007 against the same formidable opposition. His ability to strike the ball cleanly and dominate bowlers was never in question. But Test cricket demanded more than brute force—it required technique, patience, and mental fortitude.

From a 'Dirty Slogger' to a Disciplined Craftsman: Martin Crowe’s Influence

The transition to the longest format of the game was far from smooth. New Zealand, in a phase of transition, saw the departure of stalwarts like Stephen Fleming, Scott Styris, and Craig McMillan. With experience draining from the side, the responsibility to anchor the middle order fell on younger shoulders. Taylor had the shots, the natural aggression, and the flair, but he lacked the refinement required for Test success.

Martin Crowe, New Zealand’s legendary batsman, initially dismissed Taylor as a "dirty slogger." The assessment stung. But fate, and a little persuasion from Taylor’s manager, brought the two together in what would become one of the most defining mentorships in modern cricket.

“I had just played for New Zealand and Martin was around as a commentator. My manager had a good relationship with him and said, ‘Martin's always willing to help. Why don't you give him a call?’ So I called him,” Taylor later recalled.

Their conversations spanned cricket and red wine in equal measure, and Crowe took Taylor under his wing, refining his technique and instilling a deeper understanding of Test match batting. Taylor's biggest flaw was his disregard for defense—an instinctive attacker, he often relied on hand-eye coordination rather than a structured technique. Crowe helped him recognize that survival in Test cricket required adaptability.

“When you're younger and going through a lean patch, you tend to try to find quick fixes. Now I have learned to trust my game more,” Taylor admitted.

The mentorship bore fruit in spectacular fashion in 2008, when Taylor produced his first defining Test innings—a masterful 154 against England at Old Trafford. It was a turning point. Gone was the reckless shotmaker, replaced by a more composed, disciplined batsman who blended aggression with caution.

Trials and Triumphs: From Personal Lows to Professional Highs

Even as Taylor cemented his place in the Test side, New Zealand cricket was struggling. Defeats outnumbered victories, and inconsistency plagued the team. Amid this turbulence, Taylor’s form fluctuated. But his resilience never wavered.

In 2012, he was entrusted with the Test captaincy, and the responsibility elevated his game. That year, he averaged an impressive 54.60, his leadership culminating in a historic series victory in Sri Lanka—their first in 14 years. His 142 in Colombo was instrumental in securing the win, marking a high point in his career.

However, cricket, like life, is seldom devoid of conflict. Internal team politics led to Taylor losing the captaincy in 2013, a move that threatened to derail his career. Offered the chance to retain the Test leadership in a split-captaincy arrangement, he declined. Brendon McCullum took over, and Taylor was left to pick up the pieces.

“I think I went two weeks without sleep. I was having probably two hours of sleep each night. But I was still able to score a 140-odd and back it up with a 70,” Taylor reflected on that turbulent phase.

Rather than letting the setback consume him, Taylor responded with the bat. In 2013, he averaged an astonishing 72.17 in Tests—his best calendar year. The snub had only made him stronger.

The Undisputed Leader of New Zealand's Batting Order

As the years passed, Taylor became the linchpin of New Zealand’s batting lineup alongside Kane Williamson. While Williamson received the accolades, Taylor quietly amassed records, standing as the pillar of stability.

His crowning achievement came in 2015 at the WACA in Perth, where he produced an astonishing 290 against Australia—the highest Test score by a visiting player in the country. His brilliance on Australian soil, against one of the most hostile bowling attacks, was a testament to his evolution as a complete batsman.

In the white-ball formats, too, he flourished. By the time his career neared its end, he had become New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in Tests and ODIs, the first cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats, and the nation's most successful catcher in international cricket.

A Fitting Farewell: The World Test Championship Triumph

Every great cricketer dreams of a crowning moment—a defining achievement that immortalizes their career. For Taylor, that moment came in 2021, when New Zealand faced India in the World Test Championship final. On the ultimate stage, he held his nerve and struck the winning runs, sealing New Zealand’s first major ICC title since the 2000 Knockout Trophy.

Taylor’s celebration was subdued, yet the significance of the moment was profound. It was not just a victory; it was vindication. After years of toil, of carrying New Zealand’s batting through turbulent times, of being overshadowed yet never outshone—Taylor had led his nation to cricket’s pinnacle.

Later that year, he was part of a historic series win in England—their first since 1999. It was a poetic way to wind down an extraordinary career.

Legacy: More Than Just Records

Ross Taylor’s achievements are staggering:

- Most Test and ODI centuries for New Zealand

- Most Test runs by a New Zealander

- First cricketer to play 100 matches in all three formats

- Most catches by a New Zealander in international cricket

- Highest Test score by a visiting batsman in Australia (290)

Yet, beyond the statistics, his true legacy lies in his journey. From being dismissed as a slogger to becoming a symbol of resilience; from battling self-doubt to mentoring the next generation; from surviving New Zealand’s darkest cricketing days to leading them to their brightest—the story of Ross Taylor is one of grit, perseverance, and quiet greatness.

He may have often played in the shadow of others, but in the annals of New Zealand cricket, his light will shine forever.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar