Virat Kohli's Forgotten Legacy: The Fire He Sparked in Indian Cricket Will Leave You in Awe

The Indian cricket team has been through its fair share of trials and tribulations, but one captain who left an indelible mark on the sport is Virat Kohli. Despite not securing an ICC trophy during his captaincy, Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian spinner, strongly believes that Kohli ignited a fighting spirit in the Indian cricket team. The examples he cited were from the resilient performances in the 2020-21 tour of Australia, particularly in the third and the fourth Test, demonstrating the legacy Kohli left behind.

The 2020-21 tour of Australia was not an easy one for the Indian team. They had suffered a disastrous loss in the first Test, where they were bowled out for a mere 36 runs in the second innings. As the series progressed, the Indians found themselves grappling with injury woes and a seemingly insurmountable task of competing against a strong Australian side. It was here that Kohli's true captaincy came to the fore. Even in his absence in the last three Tests, his strategic insight and spirited performances earlier in the series played a pivotal role in the team's resurgence.

The third Test, in particular, was a testament to the team's resilience and grit. After a draw in Sydney, the Indians traveled to Brisbane, where they faced a daunting task of tackling the formidable Australian team on their home turf. The team's performance in Brisbane was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite suffering a series of injuries to key players, the team managed to pull off a stunning win, thanks to the brilliant performances from the bowlers and the lower-order batsmen. The injury-ridden team, led by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane, drew inspiration from Kohli's legacy, putting up a spirited fight that left the Australians begging for mercy.

And that brings us to the elephant in the room - Kohli's captaincy record. In the aftermath of India's failure to secure an ICC trophy under his leadership, several critics questioned Kohli's tactics and strategies. However, it is hard to deny the impact he had on his teammates, particularly the younger players who benefited from his guidance and mentorship. When Kohli took over the reins of the Indian team, he was not just the captain but a father figure who led by example, instilling a sense of self-discipline and responsibility in his players.

Harbhajan's assertion about Kohli's legacy sparks a wider debate about what it means to be a successful captain. While securing trophies is undoubtedly a significant aspect of any captain's legacy, it is equally important to acknowledge the intangible qualities that Kohli brought to the table - his never-say-die attitude, unwavering passion, and an unrelenting drive to push his teammates to the limits. For a generation of cricketers who grew up idolizing Kohli, his legacy will continue to serve as a source of inspiration, motivating them to strive for excellence and reach new heights.