In 2021, top batsman Virat Kohli of India chose to resign as captain of the team after his team was unable to win the Test series in South Africa. India has never won a Test series in South Africa, so winning one there remains a key aim, even though Rohit Sharma has performed very well since taking over the position. Kohli spoke candidly on the significance of red-ball cricket and what it means to him ahead of the first Test, which is scheduled to start in Centurion on Tuesday, December 26.
The 35-year-old acknowledged that winning a Test match is extremely important to him and described the emotion as being unlike anything else one may ever have. He went on to say that because cricket players give their all throughout the course of four to five days, their victory brings them a distinct kind of happiness.
The core of the game, in my opinion, is test cricket—its history, culture, heritage—all of it. It’s a different sensation than anything else you go through as an individual or a team to emerge on the other side after four or five days, depending on how long the test lasts. the sense of accomplishment you get from finishing a strong game for your squad. The most memorable experience for me was definitely helping your team win a test match.
You could call me a traditionalist. Thus, playing Test cricket while wearing whites is crucial. In a Star Sports video, Virat Kohli stated, “I have played more than 100 Test matches for my country, and it is truly an honour. That is what I have grown up on.”
Being at your best every day for five days is necessary to win a test match. Rohit Sharma
When India plays South Africa in a two-match series, captain Rohit Sharma will have a difficult task ahead of him. The 36-year-old revealed the significance of red-ball cricket and how every player must be at their best on all five days to win a match before becoming the first Indian skipper to win a Test series in South Africa.
Test cricket is the toughest & most demanding but the best form of cricket!
It’s pure, rich in history & heritage, say legends @ImRo45 & @imVkohli ahead of the Final Frontier vs #SouthAfrica.
Tune-in the 1st #SAvIND Test
TUE, DEC 26, 12:30 PM | Star Sports Network pic.twitter.com/wZDFGlVAVC— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 23, 2023
“It is evident that test cricket is a very unique format. Being the greatest on all five days is necessary to win a Test match, and as a sportsman, you want to be challenged every day. Thus, in my opinion, playing Test cricket is the true litmus test for all of your qualities as a person, a cricket player, and a sportsman. Rohit offered his opinions on the most authentic form of the game.