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United States Virat Kohli: The volatile Test captain who changed attitudes in Indian cricket
If you possess the cricket-loving mind capable of rewinding through the wreckage of the Ashes and back to Lord's in August, then you'll recall a frenzied, impassioned Test match that culminated in a dramatic Indian win.
You'll probably remember little about Virat Kohli's first innings knock of 42, and as for his 20 next time around, even less so.
What will vividly be entrenched in your mind though, are the images of Kohli the captain, the crowd conductor, the catalyst for an England fifth-day collapse whose mere presence in the closing stages was empowered by aggression and volatility.
For this was India's leader at his imperious best. No longer with that bat - that very series contributing to a modest run of two years and 15 Tests without a century - but as a kingpin who demanded an approach whereby quality was laced with intent.
As England tail-enders Ollie Robinson and James Anderson discovered that afternoon, there has always been more to Kohli's verbal sparring that a desire to distract. It symbolises the approach he's always demanded, one whereby India possess an arrogance that signals an intent to take it to the rest.
It is perhaps puzzling then, that little over from four months on from this symbolic success that Kohli has stepped down as Test captain. He relinquished the T20 reigns following the World Cup in September, and was relieved of the ODI duties in December.
However, during India's recent series in South Africa, there seemed little indication of a man preparing to curtail his five-day reign, his notorious attitude to the fore when vociferously suggesting that the DRS system was conspiring against his team.
But an eventual 2-1 defeat prompted his departure, albeit one which leaves a favourable legacy behind.
Kohli's influence delved beyond results - although they undeniably helped. Statistically, his total of 40 wins from 68 Test matches equates to him being India's most successful captain.
In fact, in the history of the game, only South Africa’s Graeme Smith (53 wins), and Australia’s Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41) have more in charge.
Kohli though, didn't just want wins surrounded by home comforts, in a country where the struggles of visiting teams are notorious. He demanded a mindset, and a culture, that led to India winning away as well.
His players obliged. In 2018/19, he became his country's first captain to oversee a series win in Australia. The feat was repeated 12 months ago, albeit with an asterisk against Kohli's involvement after he flew home following the first Test to be at the birth of his child.
In 2016, it was another comprehensive display on foreign shores, the West Indies, both with the bat and as leader as far as Kohli was concerned - that cemented the coveted spot as the no 1 ranked ICC Test team in the world. It wouldn't be the only time India would merit the status under Kohli.
Ironically, another of his great desires will remain unfulfilled, with India 2-1 up in their 2021 series in England - with the delayed fourth Test due next summer.
Underpinning his success as skipper since first fulfilling the role in Adelaide in late 2014 - albeit temporarily at the time with MS Dhoni injured - have been traits that have often prompted confrontation, and not just with opposition.
Kohli didn't just rule with an iron fist, but with a fiery gaze that essentially challenged people to defy him at their peril.
For that afore-mentioned test, Kohli wasn't there to replicate Dhoni and abide to his wishes. He immediately dropped Ravichandran Ashwin as he felt his bowling was too defensive. On the final day, despite Kohli himself ensuring back to back tons in the Test, India lost going hell for leather at a target of 365 in 98 overs.
It was a glimpse of their future. Not the result, but the intent which accompanied it.
After taking the role full-time, Kohli wanted multiple world-class fast bowlers at his disposal. He demanded that cricket authorities implemented a structure that provided him this. He got it.
Frequently, he would play five bowlers even at the expense of a meaningful lower order. It sometimes cost him, but more often left him vindicated. Regardless, you sense outside persuasion would have been futile. He was his own, abrasive man.
When the legendary Anil Kumble took the role as India's head-coach in 2016, many envisaged a dream partnership bound for domination. It didn't happen though. There were differences between coach and captain, and a personal battle ensued.
A year later, it was Kumble who left.
None of this analysis of course, is designed to discredit Kohli the person. A devoted husband and father, numerous opponents have claimed his friendly, off-field demeanour has contrasted the fiery warrior encountered on it. When focussed though, few have ruled with such an intense aura, one which drew in team-mates and fans alike.
What he has left to give with the bat remains to be seen. The mercurial ability behind the 7,962 Test runs remains, even if more so in flickers of late, but enough to ensure that for now, he remains box office in more than name alone.
Regardless, Indian cricket will remember him as the lynchpin who presided over an iconic era. World cricket's interpretation won't deviate much from the same interpretation.
As his retirement statement read on January 15, "There have been many ups and also some downs along the journey, but never has there been a lack of effort or lack of belief."
He may have always relished provoking confrontation, but those are words not even his biggest detractors would dispute.
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