Skippers with most Tests without fielding same XI in consecutive-matches
Skipper Virat Kohli decided to drop Pujara for the first Test and picked up KL Rahul in the XI. He continued his journey without fielding the same XI in consecutive Tests. This was Kohli's 36th Test in a row where he has fielded a different playing XI in back-to-back matches. Here are captains with most Tests without playing the same XI in consecutive matches.
Graeme Smith- 43 matches
The former South African skipper is known for his success on the field and captained the Proteas side from 2003-14. The southpaw holds the record for being the skipper with the most successive changed playing XI (43) in Test cricket. In the 44th match, Smith did away with his style and repeated the same XI. He captained SA 109 times and won 53 matches.
Virat Kohli- 36 matches
Kohli is following the footsteps of Smith. Can he go and be as successful as the former Proteas man when it comes to winning overseas? Interestingly, Kohli has captained India in 36 matches and in all the games he has gone in with a different XI in successive Tests. Going by India's performance in first Test, Kohli might bring back Pujara back.
Sourav Ganguly - 28 Tests
One of India's most successful Test skippers ever, Ganguly was known for backing players consistently and played them on a regular note. So finding his name, in the list, might come as a shocker to fans. Ganguly went in with a different playing XI, in back to back matches, for 28 Tests. The former Bengal skipper won India 21 matches out of 49.
Rahim and Illingworth the two others in the list
Former Bangladesh skipper Mushfiqur Rahim had gone with a changed XI for 34 consecutive Tests from 2011-17. He is their most successful skipper. Besides Rahim, former England captain Ray Illingworth went in with a different team in 31 successive matches.
