The Indian cricketing legendary batter Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from the longest format of the game with immediate effect.
The former Indian captain retired from Test cricket with 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85. He also scored 30 centuries in the longest format of the game.
Kohli finishes Test cricket as one of the most fearless leaders and successful Indian captains in history. He has been one of the most passionate flag bearers of Test cricket for the longest time. Amid booming T20 cricket and the franchise model, Virat always preferred to play and advocate for Test cricket.
He announced his retirement in an emotional post on social media. Here is what he wrote in his post.
“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,” Kohli said in a social media statement on Monday morning. “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
“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. 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.”
It was reported earlier that Virat Kohli has expressed his desire to retire from the longest format of the game to the BCCI ahead of the new Test series with England starting June 20. He was expected to be a part of the series in England. However, it was understood that he had been having conversations with BCCI officials on this matter for the past month or so.
Kohli’s retirement comes mere days after Rohit Sharma decided to hang up his white jersey. A few months ago, R Ashwin also announced his retirement from international cricket.
Now, the Indian team will only have young players who have been performing well for the country for the past few years. India will have to select a new captain for the upcoming England tour after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. It looks like Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over from Rohit Sharma as captain of the Indian Test squad.
