Virat Kohli was exception as captain: Ian Chappell

Canberra: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell on Sunday said India ex-skipper Virat Kohli was an exception as captain, he didn't curb his enthusiasm but he was still able to lead the Indian team to a higher level.

Kohli shocked the cricketing world with his decision to step down as the Test captain of Indian team with immediate effect earlier this month.

"There's no doubt Kohli was an exception as captain; he didn't curb his enthusiasm but he was still able to lead the Indian team to a higher level. With the capable assistance of vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, he lifted India to overseas success like no other captain had done," Chappell said in a column for ESPNcricinfo.

"His two personal major overseas successes were Australia in 2018-19 and England in 2021. At home his side was virtually unbeatable, with only a loss apiece to Australia and England in 31 Tests," he added.

After taking over the reins from MS Dhoni, Kohli has led India in 68 Test matches and secured 40 wins at a win percentage of 58.82.

As the Test captain, he registered his first series win against Sri Lanka in 2015, a victory that India registered in the Emerald Island after 22 years.

"One of Kohli's great achievements was instilling in his team a craving for Test cricket. Despite his all-encompassing success, Kohli's major aim was to achieve victory in the Test arena and this is where his passion really shone," he added.

"There is no doubt that Kohli drove his men hard but it's also apparent they enjoyed competing and wanted success. Kohli has a number of individual achievements in his resumé, none bigger than the development of Rishabh Pant as a wicketkeeper and batter."

"Kohli tended to get his way when it came to selection and some of his decisions in this area were a little questionable but there's no doubting his support of Pant was a master stroke."

"Performance is another factor in ranking a captain and in his Tests as captain, Kohli averaged a masterly 54. He also has to be commended for resigning at a time of his choosing," said Chappell. (UNI)