Indian cricket witnessed the end of a glorious era today as Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic batters in the sport’s history, announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a legendary 14-year red-ball career. The announcement follows close on the heels of fellow stalwart Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format, marking a significant generational shift in Indian cricket.
Nicknamed “King Kohli” for his commanding presence at the crease, Kohli redefined modern Test batting with his fierce aggression, unmatched consistency, and unwavering passion for the game. Throughout his career, he not only dazzled fans with centuries and unforgettable innings but also rewrote record books, earning multiple Guinness World Records titles along the way.
Virat Kohli made a sensational impact as a Test captain. During India’s 2014-15 tour of Australia, he became the first player to score hundreds in each of his first three innings as Test captain—a feat that remains unmatched. With centuries in the First and Fourth Tests, he made a bold statement about his leadership and batting prowess, even as MS Dhoni captained the team in the Second and Third Tests.
Kohli’s appetite for big scores made him a colossus in Test cricket. He holds the world record for the most double hundreds by a Test captain — seven. His sequence of double tons is a testament to his mental resilience and technical brilliance:
2016: 200 vs West Indies, 211 vs New Zealand, 235 vs England
2017: 204 vs Bangladesh, 213 & 243 vs Sri Lanka
2019: 254* vs South Africa (career-best)
This remarkable run established Kohli as a master of batting endurance and concentration, leading India fro the front in defining series victories.
Kohli’s excellence extended beyond traditional cricket accolades. His dominance with the bat and charisma off the field earned him several Guinness World Records titles, further validating his global impact on the sport.
Though he now steps away from Test cricket, Kohli’s contributions will remain immortal. With over 8,500 Test runs, 29 centuries, and countless match-winning moments, he leaves behind a legacy that future generations will aspire to emulate.
From fans to former teammates, the cricketing world has been quick to honour Kohli’s departure from the longest format. BCCI president and former cricketer Sourav Ganguly called him “the heartbeat of India’s modern Test era,” while tributes from around the world have hailed Kohli as “one of the fiercest competitors and finest batters of his generation.”
While his Test journey has ended, fans can still look forward to watching Kohli in limited-overs formats and the IPL, where his passion for cricket continues to inspire.
