Home
India's Virat Kohli became the greatest ambassador of Test cricket in the modern era. His hunger for going for a win rather than a boring draw made him stand out. From the fitness revolution to the fast-bowling evolution, Kohli has been the biggest contributer to the longest format at a time when it fought for his existence. But, Kohli's wish to complete 10,000 runs in the format he loved went unfulfilled. In his statement to announce retirement from Test cricket, he opened about the love of the game, a format which taught him so much.
Here's Kohli's full statement on Test retirement -
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.
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.
#269, signing off.
ALSO READ: Heartbroken RCB react to Virat Kohli's retirement announcement from Test cricket
In the last five years, Kohli has not been at this best in the Test format. He has practiced for hours and hours in the nets but the channel outside the fourth stump used by pacers to get him caught behind the stumps has been a chink in his armour.
But, Kohli retires as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. With 30 Test centuries to his name, he is guaranteed a spot in any all-time Test XI of India, especially considering his record in Tests as captain.
ADVERTISEMENT
