When Virat Kohli took over as Test captain nearly 10 years ago, ‘intent’ became the buzzword in Indian cricket. The popular understanding was that the team management was pressing batters to bat at a faster strike rate. What it actually implied was the ability to push the game forward at all times in a Test match. A potent pace attack, comprising Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, became the trump card in Kohli’s era.

When Rohit Sharma took over, the foundation of the team was ready but there was an important change. “For me, aggression is all about your actions, not the reactions,” he told bcci.tv after India’s jaw-dropping win in Kanpur.

The deal is simple with Rohit: play to win at all times. He is as fierce a competitor as anyone on the cricket field. He can be ruthless in his pursuit of victory.