3 game-changing decisions by Virat Kohli that transformed Indian Test cricket

The retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket came as a massive shock to cricket supporters around the globe. After all, he was one of the biggest titans of the longest format. With 9,230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.85, including 31 fifties and 30 centuries, Kohli has surely cemented his stature as one of the all-time greats in Test match batting.

Not only did he dominate with the bat in hand, but his on-field strategic acumen and commanding presence also proved to be a constant menace for opposition teams. He never backed down, even in the most adverse times—something that always kept the opposition on their toes. His legacy as Test skipper is widely celebrated for the decisive steps taken, which completely revolutionised the Test cricket scene in India.

Three game-changing decisions by Virat Kohli that transformed Indian Test cricket:

3. Prioritizing fitness and physical discipline

Ever since Kohli became the Test skipper of the nation, he changed the face of Indian Test cricket with his relentless prioritisation of fitness. Kohli made it amply clear that maintaining peak fitness was non-negotiable for any cricketer in the Test setup and even otherwise. He led by example, making physical fitness a key focus area for his teammates to follow.

A pivotal tool for gauging the fitness of Indian Test cricketers was the Yo-Yo Test. It was well understood that the Yo-Yo Test was a major parameter, and the score obtained would play a crucial part in a player's selection in the squad and ultimately the XI. Indirectly, it could be said that Kohli set a precedent that continues to influence the red-ball unit's fitness culture to this day.