India, Oct. 19 -- Virat Kohli has always been a born leader, which is why the BCCI selectors did not hesitate to name him MS Dhoni's successor when the latter retired from Tests in December 2014. Even after stepping down from the role in January 2022, he still commands immense authority in Indian cricket. On Sunday, even without the captain's armband, Kohli dominated the Perth field with unmistakable presence during the first ODI against Australia. Charged up and fiery, he motivated the bowlers and guided the new ODI captain, Shubman Gill, at every turn, even as India defended a paltry 131.

While instances of Kohli's leadership on the field were seen throughout Australia's innings, the broadcasters showed a compilation of them at the end...