Virat Kohli-led India failed to win the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) title, losing to eventual winners New Zealand by 8 wickets on the reserve day on Wednesday (June 23). Kohli & Co. ended as the No. 1 ranked side for the fifth successive year in 2021, at the time of the annual update of ICC rankings, and had a memorable run in the 2019-21 cycle. However, the Indian team still couldn’t end their ICC trophy drought.
Team India last won an ICC title in 2013 during their glorious run in the Champions Trophy, in England and Wales, that year. They are yet to win a major trophy under Virat Kohli. Since Kohli took over, India have done exceedingly well in bilateral or few multi-nation tournaments (Asia Cup or Nidahas Trophy 2018) but haven’t won an ICC title.
With another opportunity lost with the WTC final loss, many have once again suggested the removal of Kohli as Indian captain. In this regard, England’s former spinner Graeme Swann has spoken against the idea.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, “Virat Kohli is an absolute champion and a superstar. He has added steel to the Indian team. You only have to see his passion whenever a wicket goes. (Look at) His face when there is a misfield. He is 100% committed to that job. To get rid of Virat Kohli at the moment, when you have such a good captain, would be an absolute crime against cricket. I don’t think they should look elsewhere. India lost that game because they were underprepared and under-cooked going into that Test match.”
Swann also sympathised with India, who didn’t get enough match practice or to get into the Test mode compared to Kane Williamson & Co. prior to the WTC finale.
He said, “India just had net practice in Southampton. Nothing beats preparing for a Test match like actual Test match play. So New Zealand had everything in their favor when it came to who was going to win that game. That showed during the five days as India looked slightly rusty especially some of the batsmen.”
Following the WTC final defeat, India will stay put in the United Kingdom as they play five Tests versus Joe Root-led England, from August-September. Meanwhile, India’s white-ball specialists will tour Sri Lanka from mid-July.
