Former ICC and Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary recently opened up about his experiences officiating Test matches during the era when Virat Kohli led Team India. Chaudhary, who retired in early 2025, brought the curtain down on a distinguished career that spanned more than a decade. His final international assignment was the high-profile India-Australia encounter in 2024, while he bid farewell to domestic cricket after officiating the 2025 Ranji Trophy final.

Throughout his umpiring journey, Chaudhary stood in 12 Test matches, 49 ODIs, 64 T20Is, and a remarkable 131 IPL games. Domestically, he accumulated experience across 91 first-class games, 114 List A fixtures, and 278 T20s—making him one of India’s most seasoned officials.

Reflecting on his time in the middle, Chaudhary offered a fascinating perspective on Kohli’s impact as captain. He revealed that Kohli’s intense presence on the field often had a psychological effect on opposition teams.

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“I’ve witnessed it firsthand—the other team was literally scared of Virat Kohli,” Anil Chaudhary told Indian Express. “More than half of their focus would be on Kohli. Just his presence on the field created pressure. That’s the kind of aura he carried.”

Umpire Anil Chaudhary said – “I did on-field umpiring and I’ve seen it myself, the other team was literally scared of Virat Kohli and they were under next-level pressure. More than half of the team’s attention would be on Kohli. Just seeing him made the opposition players… pic.twitter.com/4puG4pzmWa

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) July 4, 2025

While Kohli’s era was defined by intensity and passion, a new chapter is now being written under Shubman Gill. At just 25, Gill has taken over the reins of the Test side and appears to be thriving in the leadership role. The added responsibility has unlocked a new dimension in his batting.

His stunning 269-run knock in the ongoing Edgbaston Test not only silenced critics but also broke long-standing records. Gill has now surpassed Kohli’s best of 254* to become the highest-scoring Indian captain in a Test innings—achieving the feat in overseas conditions, no less.

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Though still early days, Gill’s calm yet commanding presence at the crease and in the dressing room hints at the arrival of a new leader capable of building his own legacy. If Kohli ruled with passion and fire, Gill seems to be carving his path with elegance and quiet confidence—ushering in a promising new era for Indian Test cricket.