Sanjay Bangar believes Virat Kohli could have extended Test captaincy
Former Indian cricketer and batting coach, Sanjay Bangar, recently shared his views on Virat Kohli's decision to step down as the Test captain. In a recent 'The Rao Podcast' episode, Bangar expressed that Kohli could have continued leading Team India for a longer period. This statement comes in light of Kohli's unexpected resignation from Test captaincy in early 2022, a move that took many by surprise, given his successful track record.
Here's what Bangar said on Kohli's Test captaincy
During the podcast, Bangar stated, "I personally feel that he (Kohli) should have continued slightly for longer as a Test captain." "He probably captained India in 65 Test matches, and one of the things I feel is that he could have probably continued as a Test captain for a longer period," the former Indian batting coach added.
Kohli stepped down as India's Test captain in 2022
Kohli stepped down as the Test captain of Team India in January 2022. The star batter confirmed the same a day after India lost the three-match Test series 1-2 to South Africa away from home. Earlier, Kohli left the T20I captaincy and was later stripped off his leadership duties in 50-over cricket. The Sourav Ganguly-led BCCI later named Rohit Sharma India's captain across formats.
Kohli's legacy as Test captain
Kohli led India for seven years, taking over the responsibility from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, during the 2014/15 Australia tour. Along with Ravi Shastri and the support staff, Kohli built a solid Indian side, which relied heavily on fast-bowling. Kohli, who emerged as a bowlers' captain, was known for his aggressive leadership style. Due to this, India claimed historic Test wins in England, Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.
India's most successful Test captain
In 2019, Kohli became India's most successful Test captain after surpassing Dhoni in terms of wins. He became the first-ever Indian skipper to win 40 Test matches. Kohli is only behind legends Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) on the overall list of wins as captain. Kohli has scored the fourth-highest runs as captain in Tests. He has racked up 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80.
