Reviving Memories of Virat Kohli
As Virat Kohli makes his return to the Vijay Hazare Trophy after 15 years, the scene is nostalgic. During his net practice, he donned his familiar white pads, evoking countless memories of his tenure as India’s most successful Test captain. Kohli transformed the team, bringing an era of dominance from 2014 to 2019, earning five consecutive ICC maces and becoming a revered figure in Test cricket for a new generation of fans.
Reality Strikes Hard
However, the past is overshadowed by his recent retirement from Test cricket, a decision only understood by him and the BCCI. Kohli’s remarkable career, which included scoring a century just before his exit, raises questions: what might have been if he had remained in the Test arena? The uncertainty of his departure provokes thoughts about potential alternatives and the BCCI’s management of his career.
A Bittersweet Captaincy
Kohli’s captaincy remains a complex chapter. While he led India to significant achievements, including dominating at home and performing well in ICC tournaments, the conclusion of his captaincy felt unresolved. He voluntarily stepped down from T20I captaincy but was stripped of his ODI role. His resignation from Test leadership also had deeper implications, indicating a lack of a successor ready to lead.
Comparison with Steve Smith
Interestingly, Australia has turned back to former captain Steve Smith for its leadership needs, despite his past suspension due to the Sandpaper-gate scandal. Cricket Australia regularly entrusts Smith with captaincy when required, and he has performed admirably. Conversely, the BCCI has shown reluctance to reinstate Kohli, despite his proven track record.
Indian Cricket’s Forward Motion
Indian cricket has maintained a forward-looking approach. Historically, the BCCI last reinstated an ex-captain in 1999 with Sachin Tendulkar after a disappointing World Cup. Since then, India has sought fresh leadership, resulting in a lack of preparedness for a captain after recent losses in Australia.
Missed Opportunities
As India navigated its captaincy crisis, there were missed chances to restore Kohli as a temporary captain. Following setbacks, including injuries to key players, Kohli could have been a sensible choice to stabilize the team in his absence, yet the management opted for alternatives, thus further solidifying his absence from the squad.
The Unresolved Relationship
The dynamics between Kohli and the BCCI have always been multifaceted. While Ravi Shastri suggested that Kohli’s retirement could have been managed more effectively, it underscores a deeper, emotional bond that remains complex. With both sides needing more openness and flexibility, the future interactions could be pivotal.
