With Virat Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket, former England captain Michael Vaughan has shared his thoughts on how Kohli redefined India’s approach to the format — a stark contrast from the leadership era of MS Dhoni. In a heartfelt column, Vaughan reflected on Kohli’s impact and drew a powerful comparison between two of India’s most iconic captains.
1. Kohli Rekindled India’s Love for Test Cricket
According to Vaughan, when Kohli took over the Test captaincy from Dhoni, he reignited India’s passion for the red-ball game. “The game needs India to be madly in love with Test cricket,” Vaughan noted, emphasizing that Kohli’s leadership brought energy and commitment to the format.
2. Dhoni’s Test Team Lacked Format Passion
Vaughan pointed out that while Dhoni was a legend in limited-overs cricket, his Test team didn’t seem emotionally invested in the format. “It felt like he captained a Test team who did not love the format,” he said. In contrast, Kohli’s squad thrived on aggression, fitness, and format pride.
3. Kohli: The Emotional and Passionate Leader
Vaughan praised Kohli’s passion, stating that his emotion and love for Test cricket served as a shot in the arm for the five-day format. Kohli’s expressive style on the field and emphasis on playing with intensity helped elevate the importance of Test cricket for India.
4. Kohli Delivered Historic Wins and Records
With 40 wins from 68 Tests, Kohli holds the record for the most Test victories by an Indian captain. His aggressive tactics and fitness-first approach created a team that was hard to beat at home and increasingly competitive overseas.
5. Dhoni: Master of Calm, But White-Ball Focused
While Dhoni’s leadership was lauded for its calmness and composure, Vaughan argues that his Test strategies didn’t fuel the same hunger. Dhoni often prioritized formats where he excelled the most — ODIs and T20s — whereas Kohli saw Tests as the pinnacle of cricket.
6. Kohli Changed Global Test Cricket Perception
“There is not any individual who has done more for the Test format than Virat,” Vaughan wrote, highlighting Kohli’s global influence. His intense persona and vocal advocacy for Test cricket helped keep the format relevant in an era dominated by T20s.
7. Kohli’s Legacy Will Outlast His Career
Despite criticism for his aggressive demeanor, Vaughan believes Kohli’s ego wasn’t as big as portrayed. “Perhaps family life has mellowed him,” he wrote. Kohli’s influence, both on and off the field, has fostered a new generation’s love for the longest format of the game.
Conclusion: A Leader Who Elevated the Format
As Vaughan aptly stated, “Test cricket would have been a far blander place without him.” Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era, but his legacy as a passionate Test ambassador will continue to inspire future cricketers.
Want to revisit Virat Kohli’s greatest Test wins as India’s captain? Explore his legacy game by game.
Read Vaughan’s full column in The Telegraph.
