By John Boston
Tributes have poured in for Virat Kohli after the India batting legend announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.
The 36-year-old confirmed his decision to stop playing the game’s longest format after a career which saw him score 9,230 runs in 123 matches with 30 hundreds at an average of 46.85.
He follows in the footsteps of former captain Rohit Sharma, who retired from the red-ball game last week, and the news comes just days before India name their squad for this summer’s tour of England.
Time ‘feels right’ to Kohli
Kohli was considered to be one of the game’s finest batsmen as well as a role model to millions in his cricket-obsessed home country.
He boasted a highest Test score of 254 not out, but after struggling at the crease in the last two years – averaging just 32.56 – decided the time now ‘feels right’ to focus on the shorter format of the game.
He posted on Instagram: “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”
‘King Kohli’ was his country’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 matches, and admitted he would always look back fondly on his Test career.
He continued: “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
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Cricket greats pay tribute
Millions of fans immediately ‘liked’ Kohli’s retirement statement on social media and tributes were quick to follow.
India cricket coach Gautam Gambhir wrote on X: “A man with lion’s passion!”, while former team-mate Sachin Tendulkar added: “Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport.”
And former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote: “In my time playing and broadcasting no individual has done as much for Test cricket as Virat Kohli.”
Kohli’s wife, actor Anushka Sharma, also paid an emotional tribute to her husband. She said:
“They’ll talk about the records and the milestones – but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game.”
New-look India set for England tour
The India squad for their tour of England will be named next week and it will, for the first time in more than a decade, be without Kohli and Sharma.
Batter Shubman Gill is the clear frontrunner to take over from Sharma as captain, with a new era of Indian cricket beginning at Headingley on June 20th.
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