Virat Kohli made India's fast-bowling group dominant, feels Vernon Philander

Former South African pace bowler Vernon Philander has credited Virat Kohli’s leadership for the improvement of Indian fast bowlers in recent years. Vernon Philander highlighted that India’s capability to develop quality fast-bowling talent reflects Virat Kohli’s vision.

Virat Kohli took over as captain of the Indian cricket team during their tour of Australia in 2013-14. Throughout his tenure, the 35-year-old batter played a pivotal role in shaping Team India into a dominant force in international cricket, especially in the red-ball format.

Under his leadership, India displayed exceptional performance, notably in overseas conditions, including memorable Test victories in Australia, England, and South Africa. He relinquished the captaincy in 2022, but his influence on Indian cricket remains profound.

Virat Kohli had been a strong leader – Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander expressed admiration for the Indian team, highlighting the positive shift in their ability to produce quality bowlers. He attributed this progress to Virat Kohli‘s leadership, emphasizing his role in nurturing the bowling talent within the team.

“Every time India comes here, they seem to be performing better than the previous tour. In the subcontinent, Indian spinners have been winning the games but It’s just good to see the Indian team winning in Australia,” Philander told PTI.

“That’s a very positive sign for India to produce those sort of bowlers… It is also on the back of great leadership. Virat Kohli had been a strong leader who was propelling his bowlers to go and learn and get better,” he added.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India secured a historic Test series victory against Australia in 2018-19. They continued their success in Tests with another series win against Australia in 2020-21. India remains the last visiting team to achieve a Test series victory in Australia.

Virat Kohli Has Been The Toughest Batsman – Vernon Philander

Vernon Philander described Virat Kohli as the most challenging opponent he has faced in his cricketing career. Philander praised Kohli’s relentless approach and mental strength, emphasizing how the Indian captain never allows opposition bowlers to settle.

“For me Virat has been the toughest batsman because of the way he conducts himself. As a bowler, he never gives you an opportunity to settle. From the pure mindset point of view, Virat is a very strong character and as a batsman, he makes life really difficult for the bowlers,” Philander added.

Virat Kohli has been absent from the first two Tests of the ongoing series against England, citing personal reasons for his withdrawal from the squad. According to a report from ESPNCricinfo, he might also miss India’s upcoming Test matches in Rajkot and Ranchi.

Although the BCCI has not officially disclosed the reason for his absence, former South African cricket legend AB de Villiers revealed on his YouTube channel that the former Indian skipper and his wife, Anushka Sharma, were expecting their second child.

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