India veteran speedster Ishant Sharma explained the team's pace bowling growth under Virat Kohli's captaincy. Notably, India seen a historic transformation in pace bowling unit under Kohli's captaincy, the side shifting from a support act for spinners to a world-dominating unit. This era is often cited as the "Pace Revolution" in Indian cricket.
Ishant Sharma on Virat Kohli's mindset
Speaking during an exclusive chat with Sports Tak at Salam Cricket, Ishant explained that the biggest change under Kohli was clarity in roles, planning, and mindset.
“When Umesh and Shami first came in, they were young and still learning,” Ishant said. “But by the time Virat became captain, they were settled. Then Bhuvneshwar Kumar joined, and later Jasprit Bumrah. Suddenly, we had a full fast-bowling attack.”
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How Kohli made sure every bowler knew exactly where they stood
According to Ishant, Kohli made sure every bowler knew exactly where they stood. Whether the team was playing at home or overseas, the plan was already decided. The bowlers knew who would play, who would rest, and what was expected of them.
“If we were playing overseas, these three fast bowlers would play. In India, these two would play. Everything was communicated clearly beforehand,” Ishant explained. “That kind of clarity builds confidence.”
Ishant recalled 2015 Sri Lanka tour
Ishant also recalled a moment from the 2015 Sri Lanka tour that perfectly summed up Kohli’s aggressive thinking as a captain.
“Before one Test match, Virat told me, ‘Even if you go for 20 runs in five overs, I don’t mind. Just think about taking wickets. Don’t only try to stop runs with the new ball,’” Ishant said.
For Ishant, those words made a big difference. Kohli wasn’t afraid of fast bowlers conceding runs as long as they were attacking and looking to win matches.
“These small conversations matter a lot,” Ishant added. “That’s how the mindset changed.”
Notably, Kohli is the best captain to lead India in Tests. Under his captaincy, the Men in Blue becomes first-ever Asian Team to win a Test series against Australia on their home soil.