In 2004, India embarked on a historic tour of Pakistan for a bilateral Test series, their first since 1989. The pre-departure press conference at Eden Gardens saw then-captain Sourav Ganguly fielding questions, including one about the formidable Shaoib Akhtar, the ‘Rawalpindi Express.’ Ganguly’s witty response, “Rawalpindi Express, well will pull the chain,” made headlines and set the tone for his engaging press interactions.
Fast forward to Rahul Dravid’s first press conference as captain, and the tone shifted. Known for his calm demeanor, Dravid’s straightforward answers, like “We have to bat well, bowl well, and field well,” were a stark contrast to Ganguly’s flair. MS Dhoni, who followed, rarely provided headline-grabbing quotes, but when Virat Kohli took the reins, he brought back the excitement to press conferences, making them a must-watch.
Kohli’s candidness and passion were evident in his interactions with the media. For instance, during a 2019 press conference in Ranchi, after India’s Test victory over South Africa, Kohli was asked about the idea of playing Tests only in traditional cricket hubs. His response was emphatic: “We should have five strong Test centers. It can’t be sporadic and spread over so many places where people may or may not turn up.”
Kohli’s ability to address controversies head-on was another hallmark of his leadership. During the 2017 Bangalore Test against Australia, when Steve Smith’s ‘brain fade’ incident occurred, Kohli didn’t hold back. “There are lines you don’t cross on the cricket field,” he stated, making it clear that he wouldn’t tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior.
His leadership extended beyond the field. In 2021, after India’s crushing defeat to Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, Kohli defended his teammate Mohammed Shami from online trolls. “Attacking someone over their religion is the most pathetic thing one can do as a human,” he said, showcasing his commitment to standing up for his team.
Kohli’s successor, Rohit Sharma, has also been forthright in his press interactions, but he lacks Kohli’s flair and eloquence. Kohli’s ability to make press conferences engaging and insightful set a new standard, turning them into a spectacle in their own right.
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