Virat Kohli, one of India's cricketing legends, has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket ahead of this summer's five-Test series against England, which begins on June 20. His decision follows the retirement of Indian captain Rohit Sharma earlier this week.
Kohli, 36, leaves behind an impressive legacy, having played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, making him one of the most successful players in the format's history.
Kohli shared his emotional farewell on social media, reflecting on his 14-year journey in Test cricket. He described his experience as deeply transformative, noting that the format had tested, shaped, and taught him life lessons.
After retiring from T20 internationals in 2024 following India's World Cup win, Kohli is expected to continue playing in one-day internationals. His leadership record is remarkable, with 40 wins in 68 Tests, making him India's most successful Test captain.
Despite his successes, Kohli's recent form in Test cricket has been inconsistent, with his last century coming in November 2023 against Australia after a 16-month drought. Since January 2020, his average has dropped to 30.72, with only three centuries in 39 Tests.
Nevertheless, Kohli's impact on the game remains significant, and he will always be remembered as one of the batting greats alongside the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. His retirement marks the end of an era, but he walks away with gratitude and fond memories of his time in the format.
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