Virat Kohli: A brilliance in Test cricket, bids goodbye to the 'Whites'

Highlights An end to a stellar career: Virat Kohli calls it a day after 123 tests played Virat Kohli was the most successful Indian Captain in tests, proving excellence with each game, and rising through every setback that came his way He signs off #269, know the meaning behind and have a look at the reactions of some other greats from the cricketing world What's next for Virat Kohli? 

 

Let's say that a 'VIRAT' (Huge or Great) era has come to an end, as batting champion Virat Kohli retires from Test Cricket. The announcement was sudden, shocking, and very much saddening for the cricket fraternity, more so for the fans all over the world. It might not sink in easily, something we won't be prepared for, ever. 123 tests, 9230 runs with 30 test centuries and 31 fifties at an average of 46.85, a magnanimous career with some incredibly memorable innings[1]! Giant walls that might not be broken at all, records that might not be close enough to reach...and a legacy that lives on dominating worthy opponents donned in whites, across regions and conditions (be it home or away from home), be it as a batsman or as a captain! 

The news was revealed by Virat Kohli on his social media handles this Monday, 12th May. His post read-

 

        View this post on Instagram                      

A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli)

 

Here is a look at Virat Kohli's illustrious test career, brilliance that sets him apart from the rest: 

An impactful leader: The most successful Indian Men's captain in tests

Virat Kohli's leadership contributed immensely to Test Cricket in India. It is said to have marked a major shift in India's overseas competitiveness, as rightfully said by BCCI President Roger Binny. That level of aggression, intent, and performance always raised the bar, a notch higher. Kohli believed in the 'Whites' and thereby inspired a generation full of young men to take pride in the game[1]. 

In the 68 games he captained in the red-ball format of the game, Kohli secured 40 wins, with only 17 losses. If we consider the number of wins, this makes him the most successful Indian Men's Captain in Tests (MS Dhoni- 27/60 and Saurav Ganguly- 21/49)[2]. 

Out of the 40 wins, 24 came at home, while 16 were clinched overseas[2]. 

Overall, Kohli is the fourth most successful test captain in the world, only after Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41)[2]. 

Kohli hit 20 test tons as a captain, the most by any Indian skipper. Sunil Gavaskar, with 11 centuries, is in the second spot[3]. 

During 2016-2019, Virat hit seven double centuries, which is the most by any captain in the history of test cricket[3]. 

Improvement in every game played: A commitment to excellence

Ever since he debuted in White in 2011, Virat relentlessly wanted to be the best, never choosing to settle for second. The young chap only scored 76 runs in five innings, but was keen enough to pave his way forward. Proving his mettle, Virat rose to Test stardom at Adelaide in 2012, with his maiden ton against Australia, scoring 116 off 213 balls. In the four tests of the Australia tour, Virat was the top scorer with 300 runs, which included a century and a half-century[2]. 

A breakdown of his primes:

Virat Kohli: An era of dominance Year No of tests & Innings Runs Average 100s 50s 2011-2015 41 tests & 72 innings 2,994 44.03 11 12 2016-2019 43 tests & 69 innings 4,208 66.79 16 10 2023 8 tests & 12 innings 671 55.91 2 2

 

The 30 centuries to Virat's credit make him the fourth successful Indian batsman after[2]: Sachin Tendulkar (51) Rahul Dravid (36) Sunil Gavaskar (34)

The 2014-15 season has to be real big for Kohli with twin centuries in Adelaide, followed by quick hundreds in Melbourne and Sydney. He had a total aggregate of 692 runs at an average of 86.50 in the series[2]. 

Not to forget, the India tour of England in 2018. Another high point in Virat's career, when he was the top scorer across both sides with 583 runs at a 59.30 average (including two centuries)[2]. 

In 2019, Virat's highest score of 254 not out in tests came against South Africa in Pune, India[6]. 

Peak Virat Kohli averaged 75.93 (in 2016), 75.64 (in 2017), 55.08 (in 2018), and 68.00 (in 2019)[2].  

Overcoming setbacks and rising above 

Virat Kohli has always known how to overcome his setbacks and rise above with each one. Despite his accomplishments, the Run Machine has had his bad days. A part of which is visible to the outer world. Here is a bit known from his test plays: 

Failure on debut: It was a quiet and slow start against the West Indies, with only 76 from Kohli's bat by the end of the tour. But he finished his next in Australia at a high, even though India lost the series[2]. 

Another low for Virat came in the 2020s, when he just made 2,028 runs in 39 tests only at an average of 30.72. In 69 innings, the cricket hero had only three centuries and nine fifties. He bounced back in 2023 with 671 runs from eight games, striking at an average of 55.91. In the 12 innings he batted then, Kohli registered two centuries and two fifties[3]. 

Kohli struggled with the bat in 2024 as well. In 10 tests, he scored 382 runs at a low average of 22.47. In the 19 innings Virat played, he could hit one century and a fifty[3]. 

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024, Virat made 190 runs in nine innings at 23.75 average. The highlight was his century at Perth in Australia, scoring 123 runs, a first that came after July 2023[3].  Virat might have emerged stronger in 2025, but before adding any more feathers to the cap, he chose to bid adieu...

The meaning of #269

In his retirement post, Virat Kohli stated, Signing off #269." So what does that means? 

Well, the number 269 denotes that Virat Kohli served as the 269th player to represent India in Test Cricket, donning the country's test jersey and cap for 14 long years. 

The finest ever to have graced Test cricket: BCCI President Roger Binny

As Virat Kohli retired from Test Cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed its thoughts, thanking him for his immense contributions to the format. BCCI called it the end of an era in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue forever. Having 'redefined the standards of excellence, leadership, and commitment.'

BCCI President Roger Binny said, "Virat Kohli's name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test Cricket. What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game."

Here is how the cricket world reacted to Virat Kohli's retirement from tests: 

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar said that the true legacy of Virat Kohli lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport, when he has given so much to Test cricket, more than just runs, a new generation of passionate fans and players.

 

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A post shared by Sachin Tendulkar (@sachintendulkar)

 

"In my time of playing and broadcasting, no individual has done as much for Test Cricket as Virat Kohli...his passion, energy, and commitment to the greatest format has helped so much", said Former England Captain Michael Vaughan[5].

ICC Chairman Jay Shah also left his thoughts, "Congratulations Virat Kohli on a stellar test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment.[5]" 

Former India batter Yuvraj Singh poured his feelings on Virat's goodbye to tests, saying, "Test cricket brought the fighter in you, and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly, and pride in every stride. Proud of what you have done in whites. Go well, King Kohli.[5]" 

Former India Head Coach during Virat Kohli's tenure as Captain, Ravi Shastri, also shared his feelings, "Can't believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you have given to everyone and to me in particular. It's something I will cherish for life. Go well, Champ.[5]" 

Well, it is not yet certain what led to the sudden retirement of Virat Kohli. He was being considered in the team for the upcoming test series with England. But there are speculations that it was time for him, with other reasons being mental fatigue and injuries[6]. Virat Kohli will continue to play One Day International (ODI) and represent India in the 50-over format. 

What's next for Kohli? 

As of now, Virat will only play ODIs for India and will also be seen playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL (Indian Premier League). Apart from this, he can pursue some other interests outside of the game. Virat has a net worth $126m with other assets. He is also the brand ambassador of some prominent brands. Apart from this, Virat has invested in many other business ventures across various sectors[6].

Speculations are also high that Virat Kohli might move to England with his actress wife Anushka Sharma and their two kids[6].  

We do not really know whether this is a void, or an energy shift, really...for there won't be another Virat Kohli, or someone even close to the man. Greg Chapell rightly puts it, "someone who redefined expectations and challenged conventions[4]. Kohli just ignited a new fire, carrying a spark with him. All this was anticipated, but when it came to the face, it just hit really hard. It's just that the 'Whites won't ever be the same ever again...'