A loss & a draw marked Virat Kohli’s first two tests as the captain of the Indian team. Characteristic attributes of India’s leadership on foreign soil like reactive decision-making, defensive field placements, safety-first approach didn’t quite find an association with Kohli’s captaincy in that brief phase. The debut test in this regard included an hundred from him in both the innings, while the following test as the designated captain of the test team featured a magnificent ton in the first innings and a significant rearguard knock to salvage a draw. A win wasn’t achieved but the brand was refreshing as much as effective, and there was something more than just the difference in the exuberance of a 26-year & 33-test old against the wisdom of a 33-year & 90-test old experienced player. The absence of captaincy baggage permitted him to flaunt his free spirited mind by picking Karn Sharma ahead of Ashwin at Adelaide, and chancing a run-chase on day 5 of the test when mo...
Cricket from the spectator's point of view.