A Titan Departs: Reflecting on Virat Kohli’s Illustrious Test Career

In a move that has sent ripples across the cricketing world, Virat Kohli, a modern-day great and the zealous heart of Indian cricket, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, reportedly on May 12, 2025. This decision brings the curtain down on an era marked by aggressive captaincy, unparalleled batting prowess, and an unwavering commitment to the longest format of the game. Virat Kohli, who often emphasised the significance of Test cricket, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations. His journey in whites has been nothing short of spectacular, forever etching his name among the legends of the sport.

Virat Kohli’s Test career, which commenced in June 2011 against the West Indies, spanned over a decade of dominance and record-breaking feats. He hangs up his boots with staggering numbers that underscore his impact. In 123 Test matches, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 210 innings, boasting a formidable average of 46.85. His insatiable hunger for runs saw him notch up 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Among these centuries were 7 magnificent double hundreds, the most by any Indian Test captain, with his highest score being an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019.

His batting was characterised by a sublime technique, fierce determination, and an ability to thrive under pressure, reflected in his career strike rate of 55.57. Kohli was not just a run-machine but also a sharp fielder, pouching 121 catches in his Test career.

As a captain, Kohli transformed India into a formidable force, both at home and overseas. He led India in 68 Test matches, securing 40 victories, making him India’s most successful Test captain. Under his astute leadership, India held the ICC World Test Championship mace for five consecutive years and reached the finals of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021 and again in 2023. Kohli himself was a significant contributor in the WTC, amassing 2,617 runs across 47 Tests within the championship cycles, often standing as India’s bulwark in crucial encounters.

While his recent form saw fluctuations, his peak years between 2016 and 2019 were extraordinary, where he piled up 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, including 16 centuries. His passion for Test cricket and his on-field intensity not only brought success to the Indian team but also played a crucial role in keeping the five-day format relevant and exciting for fans worldwide. As Virat Kohli steps away from the Test arena, he leaves a void that will be hard to fill, but his contributions will forever be celebrated.