Virat Kohli’s incredible records as Test captain

Virat Kohli dropped a bombshell on Saturday (January 15) as he stepped down as India’s Test captain with immediate effect. The 33-year-old, who left ODI and T20I captaincy last year, enjoyed a gala time while leading India in the purest format of the game. Taking over the reins from MS Dhoni in 2015, the right-handed batter led from the front and took the team to numerous memorable triumphs.

Kohli also became the first Asian captain to register a Test series win on Australian soil. In fact, the Delhi-born cricketer steps down as India’s most successful Test captain, having led the side in 40 victories. In the overall list, Kohli finds the sixth position. In fact, leadership is something that brought the best out of Kohli. All of his seven double centuries in the format have come while leading the team.

Meanwhile, it must be noted that Kohli’s major announcement came a day after India’s Test series defeat against South Africa. Many backed the Indian team to record a maiden Test series in the rainbow nation. However, Dean Elgar’s men stunned the visitors and clinched the series 2-1. Notably, Kohli will continue to serve the team as a player. However, his days of leading the team in the purest format are gone now.

Meanwhile, let’s look at Virat Kohli’s records and achievements as India’s Test captain –

40 – Virat Kohli steps down as India’s most successful Test captain, having led the team to 40 wins in 68 matches. He’s fourth in the overall list.

20 – Kohli’s tally of 20 Test centuries as captain is the second-most for any player. Only Graeme Smith (25) is ahead of him.

28 – Kohli slammed 28 international centuries as captain in winning cause. Only Ricky Ponting (34) is above the Indian batter on this list.

7 – The 33-year-old is the only player to slam seven double centuries as a Test skipper.

3 – Kohli’s win percentage of 58.82 is the third-best among Test captains who led the team in at least 50 Tests. Only Steve Waugh (71.92) and Ricky Ponting (62.33) are above Kohli.

1 – In 2019, Kohli became the first Asian captain to record a Test series win in Australia.

3 – Kohli led India to 24 wins in home Tests. Only Ricky Ponting (29) and Graeme Smith (30) have more wins in home Tests.

4 –Kohli’s tally of 5864 Test runs as captain is the fourth-highest for any player.

1 –Kohli is only one of the two captains to have led in at least 50 matches in all three formats. MS Dhoni is the only other player with the feat.