India’s bowling coach credits Virat Kohli for bringing out a positive change

India got the better of Australia in a closely fought contest in the absence of their regular skipper Virat Kohli, who was on a paternity leave. However, Kohli’s absence allowed the detractors an opportunity to question his captaincy, with some of them suggesting Ajinkya Rahane’s name as a permanent Test captain in place of Kohli.

India’s bowling coach Bharat Arun who saw the action unfold in Australia from close quarters has responded to the critics of the Indian captain, reminding everyone about what Virat has done for the team.

“First thing, I would like to congratulate Ajinkya Rahane for the magnificent job he did in Australia. But to the people who are writing against Virat Kohli, I would just like to put up one stat for them. Out of the 20 series that he has captained, he has won 14 series for India. Which means the percentage of win record is over 70%,” Arun told Sports Today.

Virat Kohli’s record as the captain of India has been one of the best so far. The RCB skipper is known to have fostered a renewed attitude that has seen his side excel across different conditions. Bharat Arun talked about the same success rate of Virat Kohli, crediting him for introducing a variety of cultures including the love for fitness that he has introduced to the team.

“If you look at captains across all formats, Virat Kohli’s record has to be one of the best ever. All Blacks (New Zealand Rugby team) has about an 80 percent success rate, so after them, Virat Kohli’s record is 2nd across all sports. People who tend to write about him have forgotten what he has done over the years. What has Virat not done? The fitness culture he has brought into the team. Fast bowlers, fielding have all gone up under him,” he added.

“Yes, Rahane has done a magnificent job, he’s an outstanding team man. When Virat Kohli is there, he does a pretty good job as vice-captain, he goes and suggests things to Virat and Virat is also very open to suggestions," he further said.

Arun thought that India's brand of cricket has been "fearless" which has been a result of a partnership between Kohli and the head coach Ravi Shastri.

“Absolutely, I would like to sum it up this way. This Indian team is absolutely fearless and brutally honest. These are the qualities that are necessary for a team to do well. And there are two men who have gone and brought about this change. It is Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli,” he said.

India will now be seen taking on England starting next month, with Virat Kohli returning to the helms.