Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane has opened up about Virat Kohli's leadership role in strengthening the Indian Test team after the retirement of legendary wicketkeeper-batter MS Dhoni. Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all formats of international cricket, reflected on his journey with the Indian team and praised Kohli's contribution in building a tougher and more competitive Test side.
Rahane and Kohli shared the Indian dressing room for several years, playing 67 Tests together and accumulating 3,661 runs in partnership, including 10 century stands. Their association formed an important part of India's Test success during a transitional period after Dhoni stepped away from the longest format.
Rahane highlighted how Kohli helped transform the team's approach and instilled a stronger competitive mindset among players. Following MS Dhoni's Test retirement in 2014, Kohli took over as India's Test captain and began shaping a team known for its aggression, fitness standards and fighting spirit. Under Kohli's leadership, India achieved historic overseas victories and became one of the most dominant Test teams in world cricket. Rahane said Kohli played a crucial role in creating a culture where players were encouraged to compete fearlessly in challenging conditions.
Rahane's comments came after he announced his retirement from cricket, bringing an end to a career that lasted nearly two decades. The former India vice-captain finished his international career with more than 8,000 runs across formats and earned recognition for his calm temperament, technique and ability to perform under pressure.
Several former teammates and cricket personalities paid tribute to Rahane following his retirement announcement. Kohli described Rahane as his "favourite Test batting partner" and praised him as "the safest pair of hands in slips." The tribute reflected the strong professional relationship between the two players, who played numerous memorable innings together for India.
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Rahane was a key member of India's Test squad during one of the country's most successful periods in red-ball cricket. He played a major role in India's historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he led the team in the absence of Kohli and guided a young side to a remarkable triumph at the Gabba.
Known for his composure and ability to handle pressure situations, Rahane became one of India's most dependable middle-order batters in Test cricket. His leadership during difficult overseas campaigns and his contributions in crucial matches earned him widespread respect among teammates and fans.
Reflecting on India's evolution after Dhoni's departure, Rahane emphasised the importance of the culture created under Kohli's captaincy. The former skipper's focus on fitness, intensity and competitiveness played a significant role in India's rise as a strong Test force globally.
As Rahane begins the next chapter of his life after retirement, his comments highlight the impact of the leadership transition that shaped Indian cricket. The partnership between Kohli and Rahane represented a significant era for the Indian Test team, marked by resilience, consistency and memorable achievements on the international stage.
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