Kohli derives job satisfaction from playing Tests: Bangar

Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar believes Virat Kohli derives job satisfaction by giving it all in Test cricket. Kohli, who has been at his best in all formats over the years has also been a keen advocate for the five-day format. 

Kohli-led India recently lost to New Zealand in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in Southampton and will begin their campaign for the next cycle in the five-match series against England in August.

"Virat Kohli has already scored close to 7,500 test runs, and this is a format, where he just simply gives it his all. It’s not that he doesn’t value T20 or ODI cricket; he plays with equal intensity, but the job satisfaction that he derives – because this is the toughest format. And in modern times, because there are no dead rubbers, so every Test match is valued, and every team is playing for a result," Bangar said while talking to Star Sports.

 “This means that whatever is on offer – from a batting perspective – is always challenging for the batsman. So, to excel in each & every Test match, and obviously, to get over the drought of the three-figure – which may have been playing on his mind – I think this is something that he would look ahead to. The way he has batted in the first innings was a clear indication of the kind of touch and the kind of rhythm that he was in. So, I think it augurs well for the Indian team,” he added.

Kohli has led in 61 Tests now, which is the most by anyone from India.