New Delhi– Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket history, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, drawing the curtain on a storied career that has left an indelible mark on the game. Widely regarded as India’s most successful Test captain, Kohli’s contributions to the red-ball format will be remembered for generations.
The Delhi-born cricketer began his international journey in 2008 with his ODI debut, followed by his T20I debut in 2010. It wasn’t until 2011 that Kohli earned his Test cap, but from that point forward, he quickly cemented his place in the squad.
Kohli’s early flashes of brilliance came during his fourth Test against the West Indies at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, where he notched up back-to-back half-centuries. His breakout moment, however, arrived during the 2012 tour of Australia, when he scored his maiden Test century in Adelaide—firmly establishing himself as an all-format star.
In 2014, following MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, Kohli was handed the captaincy. He embraced the role with characteristic aggression and confidence, scoring a commanding 147 in his debut match as skipper. Over the next several years, he led India with passion and precision, turning the team into a dominant force in world cricket.
Kohli ends his captaincy tenure with 40 wins in 68 matches—the most by any Indian Test captain. Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more wins as Test skippers in international cricket history.
Among Kohli’s most notable achievements as captain was leading India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He also maintained a perfect record at home, guiding India to victory in all 11 Test series played on Indian soil under his leadership.
As a batsman, Kohli was a pillar of consistency. While captaining the side, he amassed 5,864 runs at a stellar average of 54.80. His highest score as skipper—an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019—remains one of the finest innings by an Indian captain.
Overall, the 36-year-old concludes his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. From a promising young batsman to a fierce leader, he has shaped the identity of the modern Indian Test team. As the nation bids farewell to a titan of the game, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of cricketers. (Source: IANS)
