New Delhi, May 12 (H.S.): Indian cricket has faced its second major blow within a week. After Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli has also said goodbye to Test cricket. On Monday, Virat announced his retirement through an Instagram post. He described his 14-year journey in the white jersey as an experience of peaceful hard work and lifelong lessons. Kohli wrote, I have given my all to this format, and it has given me much more than I ever expected.
9,230 Runs, 30 Centuries, and One ‘Baggy Blue’ of Pride
The 36-year-old Virat Kohli played 123 matches in his Test career and scored 9,230 runs. He made 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli scored the most centuries against Australia (nine) and the least against Bangladesh (two). His technique, passion, and mental strength earned him a place among the world’s finest Test batsmen.
Most Successful Indian Test Captain
Virat Kohli took over the captaincy of India’s Test team in 2014 and resigned in 2022. Under his leadership, Team India won 40 out of 68 Test matches, which is the best record for any Indian captain so far. He led India to significant victories not only on home ground but also abroad.
In the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India defeated Australia 2-1 on their home ground. This was one of the greatest overseas Test victories in Indian cricket history. It was the first time India had won a Test series on Australian soil.
India also handed impressive defeats to the West Indies, South Africa, and England under Kohli’s captaincy. In 2019, India beat the West Indies 2-0 at their home ground. In 2015, India defeated the number 1 ranked South Africa 3-0. Additionally, by beating England 4-0 in 2016-17, India showcased its tremendous strength at home.
A New Aggressive Mindset
Under Kohli’s leadership, the Indian Test team adopted a new definition of aggressiveness, fitness, and tenacity. He not only made the players mentally strong but also created a new atmosphere of confidence within the team, encouraging them not to back down from any challenge.
Not a Farewell, but a Legacy
Virat Kohli’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. However, the culture, achievements, and mindset he established will remain an inspiration for future generations. Kohli wrote in his Instagram post, I will always look at my Test career with a smile. That smile will not only be his but also that of millions of Indians who witnessed this ‘Baggy Blue’ warrior transform into a golden era.
Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
