Introduction to Virat Kohli’s Test Cricket Career
Virat Kohli, a Test Cricket great, announced his withdrawal from the format on Monday, just days before India is set to call its squad for a tour to England. Throughout his career, Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 games with an average of 46.85. Between 2011 and 2019, he reached an average of 55, although his form fell to 23.56 in the past two years. He is also considered one of the safest catchers and the fastest retriever of the ball.
Rise to Prominence
Kohli, often referred to as "King Kohli," revolutionized the fitness culture in the changing culture of India. He made his debut in 2011 and went on to achieve 30 hundred and 31 fifty with a highest score of 254. His impact on the sport extends beyond his on-field performance, as he inspired a new generation of cricketers with his dedication to fitness and discipline.
Decision to Withdraw
Kohli reflected on his decision to leave Test Cricket, stating it was not easy but felt right. "It was 14 years ago since I wore the Baggy Blue in Test Cricket for the first time," he posted on Instagram, adding that the format "tested, shaped and taught me for life." He emphasized that he gave everything he had to the sport and it gave him more than he could have ever hoped for.
Legacy and Impact
As an inspiring figure for Cricket fans in India, Kohli was the most successful Test captain in the country with 40 wins and 17 defeats in 68 games before stepping down from the role in 2022. His retirement means that Test Cricket’s largest global star is leaving the stage, creating a vacuum that will be difficult to fill. With 271 million followers on Instagram and around 68 million on X, Kohli’s popularity extends far beyond the cricket pitch. He is married to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma and has been a key factor in cricket’s return to the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, according to organizers.
Reaction to Retirement
The chairman of the International Cricket Council, praised Kohli for being "an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness and commitment." He thanked Kohli for championing the pure format as T20 Cricket gained popularity. Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Test Cricket, but his legacy will continue to inspire and influence the sport for years to come.
