Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: A Glorious Journey Ends
Virat Kohli, one of the finest modern-day cricketers, has retired from Test cricket.The announcement came soon after India’s tour of Australia, leaving fans emotional. He walks away from the format where his passion and aggression shone the brightest. Kohli played 123 Test matches for India, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 49.29. He also notched up 30 centuries and 29 half-centuries. Though he didn’t reach the coveted 10,000-run mark, his impact is beyond numbers.
Early Days: The Rise of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli Test journey began in 2011 in the West Indies. In his early games, he struggled with the red ball’s movement and pace. But his hunger to succeed stood out, even when the runs were scarce. Kohli’s breakthrough came during the 2011-12 tour of Australia. He scored a brilliant 116 in Adelaide, announcing himself to the world. That knock was a sign of what was to come in the years ahead.
Captain Virat Kohli: Transforming Indian Test Cricket
In 2014, after MS Dhoni’s shock retirement during the Australia series, Virat Kohli became India’s Test captain at just 26 years old. He brought a bold, aggressive style that changed the team’s mindset. Under his leadership, India reached new heights in red-ball cricket.They became the No.1 ranked Test side and stayed there for five years.
Kohli won 40 out of 68 Tests as captain, the most by any Indian skipper. India won historic series in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21.They also reached the World Test Championship final in 2021. Fitness, fast bowling depth, and belief defined the Kohli era.
Challenges: Navigating Through a Form Slump
After 2020, Kohli faced one of his toughest phases in Tests. He struggled to score centuries, with his last coming in 2019. In 39 Tests since then, he averaged just 30.72—a far cry from his peak. Critics questioned his technique, and fans questioned his mindset. But Kohli continued to grind, showing grit even when he failed. He was dropped as ODI captain in late 2021 and left Test captaincy in 2022. Despite the drought, Kohli never gave excuses and remained a fierce competitor. He played every Test with full intensity, always wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Australia: A Land of Highs and Lows
Australia became the most memorable stage of Kohli’s Test legacy. He scored 2,232 runs there, including six centuries, across multiple tours. In 2014-15, he made four centuries in four Tests, nearly winning matches alone. His leadership in 2018-19 brought India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia.Though he missed the last three Tests in 2020-21 for paternity leave, his culture of aggression helped India win a second series under Ajinkya Rahane.
However, Kohli’s final Test series in Australia in 2024-25 was tough. He scored only 126 runs across four Tests, and the struggles were visible. Many believe those struggles played a role in his decision to walk away.
Legacy: Beyond the Numbers
Virat Kohli leaves behind a legacy carved with passion, sweat, and class. He scored 27 centuries as captain, second only to Graeme Smith. He also scored seven double centuries—more than any other Indian batter. His energy lifted bowlers like Shami, Bumrah, and Siraj to new levels. He turned India from a good team to a ruthless Test unit, home and away.
Under Kohli, India believed they could win anywhere in the world. Despite not reaching 10,000 Test runs or winning an ICC title as captain, Kohli’s legacy is one of inspiration, fitness, and unmatched commitment.
Mentorship: Shaping the Future of Indian Cricket
Kohli leaves Indian Test cricket in strong hands and better shape. Players like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are ready.They’ve grown under Kohli’s influence, learning intensity and professionalism. He encouraged healthy competition and emphasized mental strength.
He ensured the team always played with pride and never backed down. Kohli’s bond with coach Ravi Shastri was vital in creating this fearless unit.Though his retirement leaves a huge void in India’s batting lineup, the foundation he built will guide the team for years to come.
Conclusion: A Farewell to Remember
Virat Kohli retirement from Test cricket brings mixed emotions.There’s sadness because a legend’s chapter has closed. But there’s also pride in witnessing one of India’s greatest ever. From Adelaide to Wankhede, from Lords to MCG, Kohli gave everything. His roars, celebrations, and fierce eyes defined a generation of cricket fans.He didn’t get to 10,000 runs, but he gave us 10,000 moments. Moments of pride, dominance, pain, and joy that will never fade.Test cricket won’t be the same without Virat Kohli. But his spirit will live on in every Indian jersey, forever.
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