Mumbai, May 12 – From brash exuberance to becoming one of India's most impactful Test captains, Virat Kohli's journey in red-ball cricket has been a gripping tale of transformation, resilience, and unrelenting ambition. With 68 Tests as captain, leading India to 40 victories, 17 losses, and 11 draws, Kohli not only redefined Indian Test cricket but also rejuvenated the format with his aggression and intensity. Here's a look back at the defining moments of his Test career.
Humble Beginnings: Test Debut in 2011
After the triumph of the 2011 ODI World Cup, Kohli earned his Test cap (No. 269) on June 20 during India's tour of the West Indies. However, his introduction was modest, scoring just 76 runs across three matches.
Controversy in Sydney: Early Flare-ups
Thrown into the deep during the 2011-12 Australia tour, Kohli faced hostile crowds and immense pressure. In Sydney, he reacted to heckling with a rude gesture, earning a 50% match fee fine — a sign of the fire that would later define his game.
First Century in Adelaide: January 2012
Kohli's maiden Test hundred came at Adelaide, marking his transition into a dependable middle-order batter, especially as India's legendary batting lineup began to wane.
Breakthrough in South Africa: 2013 Tour
Despite India losing the series 0-1, Kohli’s scores of 119 and 96 at Johannesburg showcased his growing stature and adaptability in challenging conditions.
England 2014: A Career Setback
The 2014 tour of England was a nadir for Kohli, who managed just 134 runs in five Tests. His vulnerability against swing and seam, especially against James Anderson, raised questions about his Test credentials.
Redemption in Australia: 2014-15 Tour
Kohli returned to Australia with purpose, scoring 692 runs at an average of 86.50, including four centuries. Twin tons in Adelaide set the tone, eventually paving the way for his appointment as full-time Test captain.
Commanding the Side: Test Captaincy Begins
Kohli’s captaincy began with a setback as India lost to Sri Lanka in the first Test, but he rallied the team to a series win, showcasing his leadership qualities early on.
A Statement Against England: 2016
In Mumbai, Kohli hammered 235 — his first of six double centuries — as India dominated England in a 4-0 series win. It marked his evolution into a marathon man of the format.
Steve Smith Rivalry and Australia 2017 Series
The 2017 home series against Australia was fiery. Kohli’s form dipped (just 46 runs in three Tests), but India won 3-1. His heated exchanges with the Australians added drama, including confrontations over DRS and player camaraderie.
Domination Against Sri Lanka: 2017
Kohli’s purple patch saw him thrash Sri Lanka with back-to-back double hundreds — 213 and 243 — in Kolkata and Nagpur, respectively.
Mastering the English Challenge: 2018
Redemption was sweet in England. Kohli silenced critics with 593 runs at an average of 59.30, including two centuries, starting with a memorable 149 at Birmingham.
Career-Best Score: 254* vs South Africa
In 2019, Kohli recorded his highest Test score of 254 not out against South Africa in Pune, reinforcing his mastery across conditions.
Historic Win Down Under: 2018-19 Series
Kohli led India to a historic first-ever Test series win in Australia, breaking a 70-year drought and asserting India’s growing overseas prowess.
Lord’s Triumph: 2021 England Tour
India’s emphatic 151-run win at Lord’s in 2021, where England were bundled out for 120 inside two sessions, was a signature Kohli moment as a captain and motivator.
Stump-Mic Fury: Cape Town 2022
In a heated moment, Kohli accused the opposition of ball manipulation after a contentious DRS call, speaking directly into the stump mic, referencing the ‘sandpapergate’ scandal.
The Final Phase
Kohli’s final chapter in Tests saw flashes of brilliance, including a fighting century in Perth. However, inconsistencies with the bat and a controversial shoulder brush incident with debutant Sam Konstas marked a gradual decline.
A Test Titan
Kohli’s Test career is a chronicle of fierce ambition, redemption arcs, and monumental leadership. Whether it was his dominance in Australia or redemption in England, Kohli remained a tireless torchbearer of Test cricket through one of its most transformative phases.
