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 

The exit of Ottis Gibson is a big loss for Bangladesh

 

“Gibson would not coach the youngsters of Bangladesh anymore. The news came as a big blow for many because under him the toothless Bangladesh bowling attack was coming back to track”

Ottis Gibson is all about impact. During his playing days, he always played with a big heart and injected efforts that proved fruitful for the team. A man with a strong personality and the courage to face any challenges, Gibson fought against injuries and adversities to peruse a cricketing career that includes some of the most eye-popping displays.

Gibson was a hard-hitting late middle-order batter who was particularly effective in the closing overs of the innings while his bowling was medium-fast that had scripted some memorable spells.

He was not given enough opportunities in test matches but had a decent One-day career. He played in 15 One Day Internationals, top-scoring with 52 against Australia and taking best figures of 5–42 against Sri Lanka. He took another 5 wicket haul against the same opposition and two four-fors, finishing with an impressive bowling average of 18.26.

 Gibson took 10 for 47 against Hampshire, becoming the 79th bowler in first-class cricket to take 10 wickets in an innings and the first in the County Championship since Richard Johnson in 1994. Hampshire finished 115 all out, but despite Gibson's wickets, the match ended in a draw.

Later in 2007, Gibson bowled Durham to victory, again against Hampshire, in the Friends Provident Trophy. After setting 312 to win, with Gibson smashing fifteen off just seven balls, the Dynamos bowled out the Hawks for 187.

Gibson had Michael Lumb and Sean Ervine caught by Michael Di Venuto first and the second ball of the innings respectively, both for 0. He then had Kevin Pietersen out lbw for 12 to leave Hampshire 17–3, finishing with figures of 3-24. He picked up the Player of the Match award for his efforts.

Gibson remarked after the game, “Unbelievable. But we've got four games left and if I'm going to get through them I'm going to have to cut down on the celebrations a little bit.”

“He was a different bowler every week, depending on the wicket,” recalled Jon Tweats.

“He would often stay over in Leek to make sure we got off-the-pitch time with him,” said Tweats.

“Various lads put him up in our spare rooms. Despite having spent many nights in the best nightclubs and restaurants around the world, he still claims to this day that the best night of his life was spent in the Blue Mugge pub in Leek listening to town clown Kenny Scragg's stories.”

He was also a more than handy batsman, too, as chairman and Captain Brian Mellor says.

“When trying to hit sixes he actually used to aim for a tree 20 yards over the boundary. Nothing ever affected his confidence. He'd have a game plan, and if he got out for a duck, so what? He was still the same player with the same talent.”

Yes, I repeat, Gibson is all about impact.

After retiring from cricket, Gibson persuaded a career in coaching and yet again, his impact was felt.

During his tenure as the bowling coach of England, Stuart Broad heaped praise for Gibson stating that the bold West Indian had a huge contribution in improving his bowling, especially against the left-handers. Broad might had a successful time against the right-handers but against the southpaws, he was found wanting.

Gibson advised Broad to bowl round the wicket and move the ball away more by exploiting the bowling crease – a bit of change in action helped Broad master the art of toppling left-handers.

 “I definitely feel like I’ve improved. I think probably the biggest thing that’s helped my game is my improvement to left-handed batsmen. Bowling round the wicket is quite a new thing for me. That’s been a big development in my game and I have to thank Gibbo (Ottis Gibson) for helping me with that and pushing me to keep improving,” said Broad in an interview during the successful Test series against South Africa in 2015.

The English bowlers enjoyed a great time under Gibson since he was reappointed in 2015 – they had tasted successes against Australia, New Zealand, West Indies, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The Gibson impact on England in Test: James Anderson had become England's all-time leading wicket-taker; Stuart Broad had reached the top, the bowling of Ben Stokes achieved more potency, his Durham colleague Mark Wood increased his deceptiveness, and Steve Finn became a real deal.

Then he joined South Africa and under him – Kagiso Rabada reached the top while young guns like Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje started to flourish.

“I spent a lot of time with [Kagiso] Rabada. His progression to No. 1 bowler in the world in six to eight months' time - is that me or him? It is surely him. He is the one with the talent. All I did was impart a little bit of my knowledge. He had a really good spell against Australia and India. He is a quality bowler. I am just happy to have played a small part in his journey as a cricketer,” Gibson said in an interview.

“I also spent a lot of time with [Lungi] Ngidi. His issues are going to be around his fitness. He is very talented. His fitness continues to let him down, and it is something he must address.”

“We saw [Anrich] Nortje last summer in the Mzansi Super League. We picked him for the World Cup, but unfortunately, he got injured. My strategy for South Africa was to get the best fast bowlers, which would help us win matches at home.”

“Dale Steyn got injured. Morne Morkel retired shortly after I got there. There's always been a hell of a lot of talent in South Africa. Watching the Test match the last couple of days [in Centurion against England], it is evident that there's a lot of talent there.”

The next stoppage for Gibson was Bangladesh and immediately he made his presence felt.

“I have really been impressed with Ebadot who can clock 140kph,” Gibson said after being appointed as the bowling coach of Bangladesh.

“There's Taskin who is still there. I have had some time to chat with him. He is still hungry to get involved. Khaled has been injured for a while.”

“Young Hasan Mahmud has really impressed me too. I have a lot of faith in him. He can really break through and become a top international Bangladeshi fast bowler. I have high hopes from him. He is very hungry to learn. He has a fantastic action that can only get better, so it will be interesting to see how he goes over the next few.”

“The bowlers genuinely have a lot of skill but they lack experience. They only get one spell in domestic cricket. Even if they pick two fast bowlers, the captain generally tends to go to the spinners if there's a crisis. The fast bowlers never really get to bowl in pressure situations.”

“It is a very different story when we go abroad. We are relying on the fast bowlers to do the job away from home but they lack experience in closing out games, even back home in domestic cricket. We must look at the way we play domestic cricket.”

Taskin Ahmed, since changing his bowling action, had been cutting a frustrating figure, but recently one could witness his improvement with the ball. Taskin could be seen landing his foot on the right position along with a better head position and the bowling arm looked much better. Taskin has achieved more intensity regarding the line and length and generates enough pace as well.

Taskin’s massive boost was due to Gibson.

Meanwhile, the evolution of Ebadot Hossain has been outstanding.

Ebadot has all the talent but lacked the intensity – Gibson worked on the shortcomings and at present Ebadot is one of the most potent fast bowlers in Bangladesh.  

In the frustrating Test series against Pakistan at home, Ebadot shone while in New Zealand his staggering effort helped Bangladesh win a Test back there for the first time.

Then there is that young Shoriful Islam, who has become a very good new-ball partner.

Gibson has helped Shoriful to exploit the shine of the new cherry and how to achieve more swing when the conditions are favourable.  

“We have been working on swinging the ball a lot. I think you will see everyone swung the ball at some point today. We tend to bowl back of length in Bangladesh because we don't get much swing there. Here, we pitched the ball up quite a lot fuller. We have been working hard since getting off the plane in Christchurch,” Gibson said after the historic Test victory at Mount Maunganui.

Gibson believes in investing faith in youngsters rather than big names that had passed their best.

He was never shy to speak the truth and that’s why he boldly suggested Mashrafe Bin Mortaza retire from international cricket with pride.

I think he has had an outstanding international career,” Gibson said during an interaction with the press back in 2020.

“He has done himself and his country proud. With the next World Cup in 2023, any international coach will now start to build a team. I am quite sure that's what Russell will be thinking. So he would want to see players like young Hasan Mahmud, [Mohammad] Saifuddin, Shafiul [Islam] and Ebadot [Hossain]. We haven't seen Ebadot in white-ball cricket yet. There's Taskin [Ahmed] and Khaled [Ahmed] gets fit again. We have Hasan and [Mehedi Hasan] Rana. So there are a lot of young cricketers in the country.”

This was the first time a coaching staff member has explicitly asked Mortaza – currently an MP of the ruling party - to retire and perhaps that did not go well.

 Gibson would not coach the youngsters of Bangladesh anymore.

The news came as a big blow for many because under him the toothless Bangladesh bowling attack was coming back to track.

 “It's disappointing. He has coached great players. [James]Anderson, Stuard Broad, Mark Wood and [Kagiso] Rabada still call him and take advice from him. It would be good for us if he stayed because the graph of improvement is strong. I think all pace bowlers improved under him. You can ask Taskin or Shoriful or Rahi and they'll say the same thing. Everyone had great chemistry with him. We have the South Africa series ahead and Ottis has good knowledge of their conditions. We could have learned a bit more if he stayed,” said a sad Ebadot to the reporters.

Suddenly, why did Gibson leave?

 “It'd be wrong to say that I quit my job. Actually, the duration of my contract came to an end. You could say that the duration [of contract] was not extended,” Gibson said to Ekush Tapader, reporter of Daily Star.

“No one from the BCB (Bangladesh Cricket Board) contacted me about the contract [renewal], no one called. Neither Nizam Chowdhury nor the chairman of Cricket Operations, I did not get any response from them. I had sent an e-mail to CEO Nizamuddin on December 29, but he did not respond. Khaled Mahmud Sujan was present then, I had a talk with him. But he did not want to comment regarding my presence or absence.”

“The rest of the coaches' contracts were extended before the [T20] World Cup. At that time I still had more than 60 days left of my previous contract so the talk of a new contract did not happen at that point. Now, when the time came, a discussion was imminent but they did not raise the topic. There was no impression that I would continue here.”

“Only the Head Coach (Russell Domingo) contract was renewed before world Cup [T20] World Cup. Ryan Cook's (fielding coach) contract expired during World Cup. No one spoke to him after World Cup, we all went home and then he got an email saying his services were no longer required.  At that time I still had more than 60 days left of my previous contract so the talk of a new contract did not happen at that point. Now, when the time came, a discussion was imminent but they did not raise the topic. There was no impression that I would continue here.”

The exit of another competent coach like Gibson would not bring anything good for Bangladesh cricket that is run by syndication – as suggested by insiders. This syndication is dubbed to be run by some of the senior players and local coaches who use their political and media connections in a bad way to run the show – ultimately, such people are hailed as heroes whereas, their activities, behind the curtains, deserve harsh criticism. Already, Bangladesh have lost Chandika Hathurusingha, Steve Rhodes and now, Gibson due to petty politics.

Is Bangladesh cricket totally imprisoned by this so-called syndication?

I think it is – and in the long term, the loser would be Bangladesh cricket at the benefit of this syndication.

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer on 15/01/2022 The exit of Ottis Gibson is a big loss for Bangladesh

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