Last Updated May - 15 - 2025, 01:46 PM | Source : Fela News
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun reveals how Virat Kohli’s leadership and aggressive mindset helped India win their first Test series in Australia in 2018
Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun, who witnessed Virat Kohli’s prime across all formats, shared how Kohli transformed the mindset of the Indian team during the historic 2018-19 Australia tour while captaining the side. Kohli led India to become the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia, showcasing his exceptional form with nine centuries against Australia, seven of which came on Australian soil—the most by any Indian batter there. Only Jack Hobbs has more Test centuries (nine) than Kohli among visiting batsmen in Australia. Kohli’s grit earned praise from Australian greats Nathan Lyon and Steve Smith, who called him the "most Australian" among Indian cricketers.
Kohli became India’s Test captain mid-tour during the 2014-15 series. Despite scoring four centuries, India lost 0-2, but Kohli was determined to rewrite history. After a loss at Perth despite his hundred, something clicked in Kohli. He shifted focus from personal form to leading India with an aggressive mindset, inspiring the team to believe in victory.
Arun described the lead-up to the 2018 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne as a “pivotal moment,” with Kohli’s leadership driving India to a crucial win, sealing the series. Bumrah’s nine wickets and strong batting from Kohli and Pujara helped clinch the historic victory.
Reflecting on Kohli’s retirement with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries in 123 Tests, Arun praised his deep respect for the format and said cricket will miss his commanding presence. He also revealed Kohli’s dislike for practice matches, preferring intense net sessions with challenging conditions that fueled his competitive spirit.
Oct - 14 - 2025
In recent days, Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya officially went public with model Mahieka Sharma, sparking headlines about their relationship and es... Read More
Oct - 13 - 2025
Delhi’s sweltering afternoon claimed a moment no one expected Indian fast bowler Mohammed Siraj collapsed mid-match, visibly exhausted after ... Read More
Oct - 13 - 2025
Cricket fans were treated to a slice of bliss when Hardik Pandya marked his 32nd birthday in style not on the field, but on a sun drenched beach be... Read More
Oct - 11 - 2025
In a remarkable achievement, Shubman Gill have surpassed Virat Kohli to became a highest run-scorer to India in the ICC World Test Championship. Th... Read More
Oct - 09 - 2025
This remarkable win marks another memorable chapter in cricket history. Under the leadership of captain Vaibhav Suryav... Read More
Oct - 08 - 2025
Sai Sudharsan, the young left-handed batsman from Tamil Nadu, just missed a big chance to lock in the No. 3 spot in India’s Test team. In the... Read More