Virat Kohli's evolution (2008-2018): The journey in pictures

The ultimate recognition

Kohli received his Test captaincy in 2014

That Kohli was getting primed for the biggest role in Indian cricket was evident, but the manner in which he was handed the Test captaincy will always be a story to recall. MS Dhoni’s unexpected departure handed Kohli the reins of a team that had seen both good and bad, and in the process, had lost its most valuable stars. The task was herculean; riding a team of players to a new future required guts and brains in the right combination.

Kohli made sure that the added burden only inspired him to perform further with the bat. It looked as though the move had galvanised him, the aggression started mingling with maturity like poster colours on a palette. Kohli found a middle-ground, and he has been revelling in it ever since.

A century against Pakistan in the WC further enhanced Kohli's reputation

The World Cup followed, and Kohli scored a century in the mother of all opening World Cup games, against Pakistan, but the form tapered off after that. It was just a lull before the storm.