Rahane vs Kohli

India’s record-breaking win in Brisbane has been stealing headlines globally and now the Men in Blue are hailed as ‘Immortals’. Great accolade for the boys, and they deserve it. But there could be downside to all this — screws may get turned on Virat Kohli (“India hailed as ‘Immortals’, Oz under fire after loss; ex-Pakistani players praise Men in Blue,” Jan. 21, Gulf Today).

Yes, Team India thrillingly achieved their 328 target on the final day to win the four-Test series 2-1. It was the highest successful run chase at Australia’s “Fortress Gabba”, where the hosts had been unbeaten for 32 years. And all credit to Ajinkya Rahane who led  the side after Kohli left for home to attend the birth of his first child after the first Test in Adelaide.

The win was an unbelievable feat considering that Rahane was saddled with a rather weak team consisting of second string players. Rahane competency as skipper is well appreciated and received by not only his teammates but by cricketing greats. All this will no doubt put Kohli’s captaincy under spotlight.

Kohli’s next assignment is to lead India against England in the first two Tests next month.  Should he falter, the clamour to get him replaced will get stronger as it will bring back memories of the Adelaide debacle, where India were sent back to the pavilion for their lowest ever score of 36.

Of course Kohli will be under pressure to deliver now but one should also remember that it was under his tutelage that India became the first Asian team to win a Test series Down Under in the 2018-19 tour of Australia.

Ralph R
By email