With Virat Kohli calling time on his Test career, Indian cricket is saying goodbye to more than just a modern-day batting great. It’s the end of an era led by the country’s most impactful and successful Test captain. Under Kohli, India didn’t just win matches—they changed the way they played the game. He brought a fierce intensity to red-ball cricket, championed fitness, fast bowling like never before, and instilled a belief that India could compete—and win—anywhere in the world.
India’s most successful Test captain of all-time
Virat Kohli took over the reins in 2014 from MS Dhoni, and within a few years, etched his name in the pantheon of Test greats. Under his leadership, India played 68 Tests, winning 40 – the most by any Indian captain – while losing just 17 and drawing 11. His win percentage of 58.82 is not only the best among Indian captains but also puts him among the global elites.
Most Test Wins as Captain – India
| Captain | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 68 | 40 | 17 | 11 | 58.82 |
| MS Dhoni | 60 | 27 | 18 | 15 | 45.00 |
| Sourav Ganguly | 49 | 21 | 13 | 15 | 42.86 |
Globally, Kohli is only behind Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) in terms of Test wins as captain.
Home Fortress, Overseas Breakthroughs
Kohli’s India was unbeatable at home. In 11 home series as captain, he did not lose a single one, winning 10 and drawing one. India lost just two home Tests under him – a feat that is hardly going to be repeated. Look at Rohit Sharma’s stint that was going so well, but then a humiliating loss to New Zealand came, abruptly ending India’s Test dominance of over 12 years.
But what truly elevated Kohli’s captaincy legacy was the success abroad, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries. Under Kohli:
- India won 16 away Tests – the most by an Indian captain.
- India recorded their first-ever Test series win in Australia (2018-19).
- In SENA nations, Kohli won 7 Tests, more than any Asian captain.
Test Wins in SENA Countries by Asian Captains
| Captain | Wins in SENA | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | 7 | 23 |
| Wasim Akram | 4 | – |
| Javed Miandad | 4 | – |
Kohli the Batter – Leading From the Front
Captaincy often burdens batters, but Kohli’s numbers suggest the opposite. As captain, he scored:
- 5,864 runs in 68 Tests at an average of 54.80
- 20 centuries and 18 fifties
- A best score of 254 vs South Africa*
He remains the fourth-highest run-getter among Test captains of all-time.
Most Test Runs as Captain (All Nations)
| Captain | Runs | Matches | Average | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graeme Smith | 8,659 | 109 | 47.83 | 25 |
| Allan Border | 6,623 | 93 | 50.94 | 15 |
| Ricky Ponting | 6,542 | 77 | 51.51 | 19 |
| Virat Kohli | 5,864 | 68 | 54.80 | 20 |
He also holds the record for most double centuries as captain (7) in Tests.
Kohli’s Pace Revolution – A Captain of Bowlers
Kohli’s legacy is incomplete without highlighting how he transformed India’s bowling unit, particularly the fast bowlers. He backed pace, often playing five-bowler attacks regardless of conditions. He knew that it was only the bowlers that set up a win in Tests. You are not going to get those crucial wins without getting 20 wickets in a game. Alongside head coach Ravi Shastri, Kohli revolutionised the Indian Test mindset.
- India took 20 wickets in 22 out of 35 away Tests under Kohli.
- Kohli’s bowling unit had an average of 25 and strike rate of 52 – the best for any Indian captain.
- Six Indian bowlers took 100+ wickets under him, with R. Ashwin (293) leading the pack.
India’s bowling under Kohli (Away Tests)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average | 25.0 |
| Strike Rate | 52 |
| 20-wicket hauls | 22/35 |
Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy wasn’t just about numbers; it was about shifting mindsets as well. From Adelaide 2014, where he made twin hundreds in his debut match as captain, to overseeing India’s golden era of overseas conquests, Kohli set the gold standard. He made aggression fashionable, fast bowling essential, and winning overseas non-negotiable. It is highly unlikely if India would have a Test skipper like Kohli in near future.
The post Rating Virat Kohli as Test captain: 10/10 for India’s best red-ball leader ever! appeared first on Inside Sport India.