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 

The Clash of Titans: Garry Sobers vs Dennis Lillee in Melbourne

The legendary encounter between a young Dennis Lillee and the indomitable Garry Sobers during the 1971-72 series remains etched in the annals of cricketing folklore. Conceived as a substitute for the cancelled South African tour, the series saw the World XI pitted against Australia in a contest that transcended the ordinary. At its heart was a narrative of raw pace, unyielding mastery, and the transformative power of cricketing genius.

The Prelude to a Duel

Dennis Lillee, raw and ferocious, had already announced himself as a bowler of extraordinary hostility. His 8 for 29 at Perth, including nine wickets in a single session, had dismantled the World XI’s celebrated batting lineup and set the tone for the series. In the third ‘Test’ at Melbourne, Lillee’s relentless aggression continued unabated. Among his victims were the illustrious Graeme Pollock, Sunil Gavaskar, and Garry Sobers himself, all undone by Lillee’s mastery of the short-pitched barrage. By the end of the first day, Australia had the upper hand, and the World XI faced stinging criticism for their lacklustre performances.

Sobers, however, was not one to be subdued. That evening, he confronted Ian Chappell with a pointed message: Lillee’s bouncers would not go unanswered. “I can bowl quick too, and I can bowl bouncers,” Sobers declared, signalling his intent to turn the psychological tide. The stage was set for a confrontation that would become the stuff of legend.

The Counterattack

The following day, Sobers made good on his promise. Urged on by Tony Greig, he unleashed a searing bouncer at Lillee, who had come in at the tail end of Australia’s innings. The young paceman, caught off guard, holed out shortly after, visibly rattled. Sobers had drawn first blood in a duel that would escalate to extraordinary heights.

When Sobers walked out to bat in the second innings, the match hung in delicate balance. Lillee, bristling with intent, charged in. What followed was an exhibition of batsmanship that transcended the ordinary. Sobers’ response to Lillee’s short-pitched deliveries was a combination of artistry and audacity. The opening salvo—a ferocious square cut that sped to the boundary—set the tone. Lillee, Bob Massie, Terry Jenner, and Kerry O’Keeffe were subjected to an onslaught that bordered on the otherworldly.

A Masterclass in Batsmanship

Sobers’ strokes were a masterclass in timing, power, and placement. Against full deliveries, he drove with an elegance that belied the ferocity of his intent. Short-pitched balls were contemptuously dispatched through point or ruthlessly hooked to the boundary. One yorker from Lillee, bowled with pinpoint precision, seemed destined to shatter the stumps; Sobers, however, deftly opened the face of the bat to guide it past point for four. The fielders, powerless to intervene, could only marvel as the ball rocketed past them.

One stroke stood out among the carnage. Facing Massie’s full delivery, Sobers initially prepared to drive through the off-side. When the ball reversed late, he adjusted mid-stroke and redirected it between mid-wicket and mid-on with sublime ease. Spectators erupted, opponents acknowledged the genius of the moment, and the match was irrevocably transformed.

By stumps, Sobers had amassed 139, a knock of breathtaking audacity that left the crowd in raptures. Ian Chappell, visiting the rival dressing room, found Sobers reflective rather than triumphant. Personal turmoil—his wife Prue had left him—lent a poignant backdrop to his innings, yet it seemed only to fuel his determination. “If that’s what’s bothering you, I’ll tell her to get home straight away,” Chappell quipped, to which Sobers merely laughed.

The Climax

The next day, the onslaught continued unabated. Sobers’ partnership with Peter Pollock added 186 runs, transforming the match. Boundaries flowed with unrelenting frequency as Sobers belted the attack into submission. Lillee, wielding the third new ball, was blasted out of the attack in mere overs. Each milestone—a hundred, 150, a double hundred—was met with standing ovations. Sobers eventually fell for a monumental 254, his innings a symphony of grace and brutality that left the Australian fielders applauding.

Aftermath and Legacy

Lillee’s post-match reflection was tinged with admiration. “I’ve heard about you, and now I’ve got my tail cut properly,” he admitted. In the stands, Don Bradman, no stranger to cricketing greatness, hailed it as the finest innings he had ever witnessed on Australian soil. It was a statement that underscored the magnitude of Sobers’ achievement—an innings not just of runs but of defiance, artistry, and an unyielding spirit.

This match, and Sobers’ innings in particular, stand as a testament to the transformative power of cricket. It was a stage where individual brilliance illuminated the collective, where the fierce rivalry between bat and ball became a canvas for artistry, and where greatness, in its truest form, was immortalized.

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