Virat Kohli made his Test debut against West Indies in June 2011. In 123 matches, he struck 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. The best bit of him came in a highest score of 254* that showed he was king of this crease. He is only after legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar in Indian Test century-makers.
Kohli, Indian record holder for most double centuries in Tests (7) Notably none other than Kohli whose been able to register 2232 runs, including nine centuries against Australia and to date is the reason behind India’s series winning streaks in Australia.
🧢 Captain Virat Kohli: Transforming Team India
- In 2014, Kohli was promoted to the Test Captaincy and took over as Skipper of India leading 68 matches winning the most (40) by any Indian captain.
- His leadership advocated attacking approach fitness and a rich fast-bowling department took India to the No 1 spot in the Test rankings as well as to the final of two World Test Championship finals.
- Kohli’s tenure is credited with instilling a winning mentality and redefining India’s identity in Test cricket.
🎯 Key Test Records and Achievements
- Matches Played: 123
- Runs Scored: 9,230
- Batting Average: 46.85
- Centuries/Half-Centuries: 30/31
- Highest Score: 254*
- Double Centuries: 7 (most by an Indian)
- Test Wins as Captain: 40 (most by an Indian captain)
- Catches: 120 (third-most by an Indian non-wicketkeeper)
💬 The Cricketing World Reacts on Virat Kohli’s Retirement
- Kohli announced retirement from Instagram thanking the journey and lessons Test cricket has taught him. He said in reference to the format I gave every last bit of myself that encapsulated my love for it.
- Cricketing world paid tributes to all greatest Batsmen of all time. Former coach Ravi Shastri listed him as a “modern day GIANT,” ICC chairman Jay Shah praised his Test loyalty.
- Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and analysts including Harsha Bhogle also highlighted the vacuum left behind by his exit from the team. Reuters
🔮 Looking Ahead
- Virat Kohli steps away from Test cricket but while he competes in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and in ODIs is still available for One Day Internationals, where he just won a Champions Trophy for India.
- His retirement, following closely after that of Rohit Sharma, signals a generational shift in Indian cricket. As the team prepares for future challenges, Kohli’s legacy as a transformative leader and prolific batsman will undoubtedly inspire the next generation.
- Virat Kohli’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era characterized by passion, resilience, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence. His contributions have not only elevated Indian cricket on the global stage but have also left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.