Karn Sharma, who debuted in the Adelaide Test in 2014, recalled how Virat Kohli made a mark in his first match as captain. Karn revealed how Kohli was adamant about chasing the target despite it being his maiden Test as a captain. Kohli scored a record-breaking two centuries in the game showing he was determined to avoid draws, even if it meant risking a loss. Faced with a target of 363 runs on the final day the right-hand batter led his team from the front asking them to chase the target irrespective of a draw scare. Australia won the game by 48 runs but a valiant effort led by Kohli making 141 in the second inning gained worldwide praise.
"Making my Test debut against Australia in Australia will always remains special. Very few people get that type of start. The dressing room atmosphere was quite good. Ravi Shastri, the coach, was there. We were chasing over 300 runs in that match and Virat said 'no draw. We are going to chase it down. That injected a lot of positivity among players in the dressing room,"
"It was a different approach. Different captain has a different approach, But ever since he said we are chasing over 300 in the fourth innings of a Test – which was very tough in Australian conditions – it sends a wonderful indication to the players in the dressing room, that your captain has different plans."
The 36-year-old also talked about how Virat was not scoring runs but no one could make that he is out of touch. Karn made his debut for India in the ODI series against England, which came after a 5-Test series where England won 3-1. During that Test series, Kohli had a tough time, scoring only 134 runs in 10 innings, a major slump in his career. It was his debut tour in England and he failed to overcome the swinging conditions.
When the ODI series started, Kohli regained his form. Karn talked about Kohli’s form in the series highlighting his ability to make a comeback.
"He didn't get runs but to be honest, it never looked as if he was out of form. He always gave that impression that everything is fine. Through his preparations, fitness, mental approach, Kohli never appeared too bothered or was fretting over the fact that he had a bad Test series,"
Karn Sharma has represented India in one Test, two ODIs, and one T20I respectively. Virat Kohli who started his Test captaincy in Adelaide, resigned as India’s captain in January 2022
