In the world of Test cricket, Virat Kohli`s captaincy is often remembered for its unwavering aggression and a relentless pursuit of victory. But what happens when that fiery motivation, intended to ignite a player, instead sparks a suspension? Ishant Sharma, Kohli`s long-time friend and former teammate, recently recounted an unforgettable incident from the 2015 Sri Lanka tour that offers a fascinating glimpse into Kohli`s unique leadership style, and its rather explosive consequences.
Kohli`s Aggressive Ascent: A New Era of Indian Cricket
When Virat Kohli took the reins as India`s full-time Test captain in 2015, succeeding the composed MS Dhoni, he didn`t just inherit a team; he instilled a philosophy. From languishing at seventh in the rankings, Kohli propelled India to the summit of Test cricket within two years, largely due to his aggressive brand of play and an uncompromising winning mentality. He pushed his players to their limits, demanding passion and intensity. Yet, as Ishant Sharma`s candid revelation suggests, even the most well-intentioned motivational tactics can sometimes overshoot the mark, leading to unforeseen drama.
The Sri Lankan Spark: Bouncers, Barbs, and an Unexpected Elbow
The stage for this particular episode was the 2015 Test series in Sri Lanka – Kohli`s inaugural assignment as a full-time Test captain. Ishant Sharma, a seasoned pacer, found himself in a heated exchange with Sri Lankan bowler Dhammika Prasad. “Dhammika Prasad was bowling bouncers at me,” Ishant recalled. “I took a single, and as I was reaching the non-striker`s end, I told him, `You are too slow to hit me on the head.` That`s what started it.”
The verbal volleys escalated, a common enough occurrence in the intense world of Test cricket. However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Dinesh Chandimal, seemingly out of nowhere, arrived from third man and elbowed Ishant. In the immediate aftermath, as Ashwin got out, Ishant retreated to the dressing room to change his shoes, unaware that the officials, including India`s coach Ravi Shastri and Sri Lanka`s manager, were already perceiving a major confrontation. Prasad, not one to back down, reportedly followed Ishant right into the Indian dressing room, keeping the tension palpable.
The Kohli Catalyst: “Woh Tujhe Maarne Aaya”
Ishant had already received a fine of 65% of his match fees for his send-offs to two Sri Lankan batsmen in the second Test. But the true ignition point came just before the final Test, during a confrontation with Prasad. It was here that Virat Kohli, with his characteristic intensity, intervened in a way that would be etched into Ishant`s memory – and into ICC records.
“Virat knows how to rile me up. I was unaware. That`s when Virat told me, `Woh tere peeche tujhe maarne aa gaya, aur tune kuch nahi kiya? Dhammika Prasad tujhe maarne aaya tha?` (He came all the way to beat you, and you didn`t do a thing? Dhammika Prasad came to beat you?)”
Kohli didn`t stop there. He then played a clip for Ishant, showing Chandimal`s elbow, effectively fanning the flames of anger. “And I swear, I went mad,” Ishant admitted. “I am usually not that aggressive, but that day, my protective mode crept in.”
From Fury to Suspension: The Ironic Outcome
Fueled by Kohli`s fiery pep talk, Ishant returned to the field with a renewed, albeit perhaps excessive, aggression. He dismissed three Sri Lankan batters and celebrated each wicket with an intensity that left little doubt about his feelings. The result? A one-match suspension from the ICC. It was an almost poetic irony: a captain`s motivation, intended to boost performance, directly contributed to a player`s ban.
Yet, amidst the disciplinary action, Ishant`s performance in the series-clinching win in Colombo was nothing short of crucial. He bagged eight wickets in the match, joining the exclusive 200-wicket club – a testament to his skill and determination, even when operating on the very edge of the rules.
The Kohli Legacy: Aggression, Inspiration, and a Dash of Drama
This anecdote perfectly encapsulates the essence of Virat Kohli`s captaincy. It was a period marked by an unyielding spirit, a desire to win at all costs, and a leader who wasn`t afraid to confront or provoke to get the best out of his team. While it sometimes led to fines and suspensions – a small price, perhaps, for a transformed team – it undoubtedly fostered a culture of fearless cricket that left an indelible mark on Indian Test history. Ishant Sharma`s story is more than just a tale of a ban; it`s a vibrant, slightly controversial, chapter in the legendary partnership between two fiery competitors.
