Virat Kohli, one of India’s most popular and adored cricketers has decided to retire from Test cricket. With this single move, his Kentucky-blue decision has sent the nation, and the sporting world, collectively reeling. To be sure, he has done the unthinkable in the sport and game of cricket. These achievements have not only marked his own career, but symbolized the emergence of a new India in the 21st century. Kohli’s on-field feats came to represent a generation of cricket. He displayed a potent combination of talent, heart, and an unswerving commitment to success.
Kohli came on the international cricket scene like a meteor at the age of 23. He then debuted with the One Day Internationals (ODIs) in 2009. For him, it was the beginning of a meteoric career virtual rocket ship moment. By 2011, he was the youngest member of forerunner India’s ODI World Cup-winning squad, skippered at the moment by captain MS Dhoni. Gradually, though, he morphed into an equally intimidating presence across the diamond, earning a reputation as a violent hitter who never took his eye off the prize.
Since 2014, Kohli rose to unimaginable pinnacles. He piled on runs in a way that had all the hallmarks of true dominance, scoring six double centuries in only 12 (12!) Over this span, his average climbed above 55. This remarkable accomplishment cements his place as one of the most prolific batsmen of all time. His average would plummet the next year all the way down to 46.75. This steep drop-off led many to speculate and question his form, especially as he nears the end of his career.
His legacy as captain is unparalleled, having led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 Tests under his reign. This remarkable achievement sees him currently sit fourth in the all-time most successful non-playing Test skipper’s achieved with an unprecedented 104 victories. His leadership was characterized by a relentless drive for success, with former coach Ravi Shastri noting that “Kohli made India into a fighting unit, especially when playing overseas.” Shastri further commended Kohli’s approach to leadership, stating, “He always played to win, sought and nurtured fast bowlers to win overseas, demanded high intent and supreme fitness from all players.”
Kohli’s career was not without its challenges. Each time he withstood this pressure and criticism, he came back stronger. His abrasive first Test hundred, achieved against Australia in Australia, was the watershed that prepared the way for an abundant career. During his tenure as captain, India has achieved its first-ever Test series win on Australian soil in the 2018-2019 season. This record sealing performance cemented his legacy at heart of cricket history.
During his illustrious career, Kohli maintained an average of over 50 in all three formats of the game. This all-around accomplishment guaranteed his legacy as one of the most dynamic hitters of his generation. He didn’t finish in the top five for run totals or centuries in T20 cricket, but he left an indelible mark on the game with memorable showings. Of particular significance, his 82 not out against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup and his match-winning 76 in the 2024 final against South Africa.
Kohli wrapped up his Test career with a stellar 9,230 runs in the five-day format. This milestone makes him the 19th overall and fourth Indian cricketer to achieve this milestone after legends of the game Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. His retirement has indeed created a huge void in Indian cricket. Analysts are left wondering how the team will execute this radical change.
Former player and coach Greg Chappell described Kohli as the most impactful Indian captain of all time. He’s even outdone legendary captains like Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni. This acknowledgment reflects not only Kohli’s success on the pitch but his impact on shaping Indian cricket’s competitive spirit.
Kohli’s exit from Test cricket leaves one of the game’s greats with his head bowed. His extraordinary life story has changed the definition of what it takes to be an athlete in India. It is a departure from the white knuckle world of Test cricket. This decision creates a legacy that will be watched for decades to come.
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