BGT 2024-25, AUS vs IND, Perth Test: Virat Kohli, the leader, proved to be perfect ally for Jasprit Bumrah, the India skipper, in Perth.
Virat Kohli is arguably the most successful Test skipper India have ever had and among the best in world cricket. He led the India Test team in 68 matches, winning 40 of them, the fourth most by any captain in the longest format. During his time at the helm, India never lost a Test series at home, won a series in the West Indies and Sri Lanka, and drew in England.
But his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first-ever Test captain from Asia to win a series in Australia. In one of the difficult places to tour, Kohli led the Blue Brigade to a 2-1 win in the 2018/19 series. Overall, Kohli has won two Test matches as a skipper down under in the seven Tests he has led across three trips. Aside from that, he has succeeded as a Test batter in the country. Hence, he knows a thing or two about success in Australia.
His experience massively helped Jasprit Bumrah on the first day of the Perth Test as he led an inexperienced side without regular skipper Rohit Sharma. The pacer, who is leading just his second Test, told the media that Kohli is still the leader of the side despite not being the captain. Today at Perth, we saw a Kohli who took us back to the days when he was the captain, a true leader.
Read More: BGT 2024-25, AUS vs IND, 1st Test, Day 1: Bumrah reduces Australia to 67-7 after India fold for 150
Bumrah could not have found a better allyÂ
After getting bowled out for 150, India needed something special from their bowlers. And, skipper Bumrah led from the front. Yes, the pacer got support from Mohammed Siraj and Harshit Rana to run through the Aussie top order, but one individual who gave him the energy was Virat Kohli.
Kohli was at his usual aggressive best throughout the day’s final session, pumped up after every delivery and more so after dropping Marnus Labuschgne’s catch at slips. Furthermore, he supported Burmah on the field with his leadership, especially when the latter was bowling. He was at Bumrah’s side in the mid-on region, helping him in the field settings and constantly strategising. He also played a key role in convincing Bumrah to go with the DRS, getting rid of opener Nathan McSweeney.
Another impact he made on the field was egging pacer Mohammed Siraj to bowl fuller to a struggling Marnus Labuscgagne and the former eventually got the wicket. Throughout the session, Kohli actively lifted the spirits of the bowlers and the team with his infectious energy, making one feel nostalgic.
The other striking thing to note is that Kohli didn’t interfere in Bumrah’s captaincy plans and merely played a supporting role. When Siraj and Harshit Rana were bowling, skipper Burmah guided them with field settings.
Leadership skills make Kohli an integral part of India’s setup
While the runs off Kohli’s bat may have dried up in this rough patch, his contributions to the team cannot be neglected. His experience is essential in these conditions, especially for a skipper like Burmah. While the pacer himself is a born leader, he is still finding his feet as a Test captain.
Kohli’s presence at this point elevates him as a leader and makes his decision-making easier. His understanding of the game and input will be of great moral support for Bumrah in Rohit Sharma’s absence.
Read More: In Rohit Sharma’s absence, India’s leadership group needs to rise to the occasion
