Virat Kohli, the dynamic and influential cricketer, has left an indelible mark on the world of cricket as the captain of the Indian ODI team. Kohli, often hailed as one of the greatest batsmen of all time, has not only achieved immense success individually but has also guided his team to numerous victories during his tenure as captain. In this article, we will delve into Virat Kohli's record as the captain of the Indian cricket team in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Virat Kohli took over the captaincy reigns from the legendary Mahendra Singh Dhoni in 2017. Under Kohli's leadership, the Indian team has witnessed a surge in performance and consistency, displaying a brand of cricket that is aggressive, yet tactically astute.
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One of the most significant aspects of Kohli's captaincy has been his ability to lead from the front with the bat. Known for his exceptional batting skills and ability to chase down targets, Kohli has showcased his mastery time and again. As captain, he has continued to pile on the runs and lead by example. His average as a captain in ODIs has remained consistently high, with him crossing the 50-run mark more often than not.
Virat Kohli ODI Captaincy Record:
Number of ODI matches captained | 95 |
Date of the last ODI match as captain | 28th March 2021 |
ODI Matches won at home | 24 |
ODI Matches won away | 29 |
ODI Matches won on neutral ground | 12 |
ODI Matches Lost | 27 |
Win percentage | 68.42% |
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During his captaincy, Kohli has displayed a remarkable level of consistency in terms of leading the team to victories. Under his guidance, India has achieved numerous series wins, both at home and abroad. His captaincy highlights include series victories against teams like Australia, South Africa, England, and New Zealand, proving his mettle as a leader in all conditions.
Kohli's leadership has been instrumental in India's success in bilateral ODI series. His aggressive and fearless approach on the field has been a driving force behind the team's ability to dominate opponents. Under his captaincy, India achieved a historic 5-1 victory in a six-match ODI series against South Africa in 2018, becoming the first Indian team to win an ODI series in South Africa. This victory was a testament to Kohli's tactical acumen and his ability to inspire his team to perform at their best.
Another remarkable feat achieved under Kohli's captaincy was India's first-ever bilateral ODI series win in Australia in 2019. The Indian team showcased exceptional skills and character throughout the series, which resulted in a 2-1 victory. This triumph not only highlighted the team's ability to adapt to different conditions but also showcased Kohli's astute leadership in crucial moments.
Kohli's captaincy record in ICC tournaments is also noteworthy. Under his leadership, India reached the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, where they lost to arch-rivals Pakistan. However, Kohli's team displayed exceptional form throughout the tournament, winning all their group stage matches convincingly. Though the final didn't go their way, the journey to the summit clash was a testament to Kohli's ability to lead a team in high-pressure situations.
Despite his many successes, there have been some challenges during Kohli's captaincy as well. The Indian team has faced occasional setbacks, particularly in ICC tournaments. In the 2019 ICC World Cup, India was one of the favorites but fell short in the semifinals against New Zealand. While the defeat was disappointing, it served as a learning experience for Kohli and his team. It highlighted the need for continuous improvement and the ability to handle pressure situations effectively.
