Mohammad Kaif lauds Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy after series loss against South Africa

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has showered praise on Virat Kohli’s Test captaincy in the home conditions after India was stunned by 0-2 against South Africa. India lost the second Test match by a huge margin of 408 runs at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.

Meanwhile, Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, drawing 11 and losing 17, and thus he is regarded as one of India’s most successful Test captains. Furthermore, Kohli had a fantastic record in home Test matches, losing only two matches in 31 games.

Kaif recalled how Kohli made a priority to get 20 Test wickets and got the best out of his bowling unit. Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammed Shami flourished under Kohli’s leadership, whereas Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja were brilliant.

Kaif said in a video on X, “Virat Kohli went one step ahead than MS Dhoni. When India was in trouble, his aggression stood out and told the players to play to take 20 wickets, else don’t come to the ground. That was his message to the players. Under Kohli. India lost only two Tests in seven years in 31 matches. His motto was also to keep the core and backed the pace bowlers fully. He backed the pacers fully overseas but even at home he utilized Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. He made plans according to the opposition.”

“For instance, if there’s Afghanistan, then pace bowlers will be used. South Africa had toured before when Kohli was captain. India didn’t even give them an inch and they lost so badly. When conditions favoured spin, he exploited it well by using the spinners. That was Kohli’s speciality – backing the spinners and pacers according to the conditions. That’s why both players made excellent captains,” he added.

On the other hand, the former Indian UP batter also showered praise on MS Dhoni’s leadership in home Test matches.

“Why did MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli become so successful as captains? Dhoni created an environment where he backed players and felt comfortable. Also pitch reading. They used to play on spinning tracks but he had such a deep knowledge of the conditions and picked the team according to that. He utilized Ravindra Jadeja, Pragyan Ojha and Ravichandran Ashwin – they all took wickets. He also had a presence, when he came for toss or led the side, even that had a positive effect. Players felt at home under Dhoni that almost everyone performed well. That’s why Dhoni lost only three Tests at home in six years as captain.”

India has suffered five losses in the last seven Test matches at home, which are worrying signs.