The Final Chapter: Virat Kohli Bids Adieu to Test Cricket

"It's not easy - but it feels right."

On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli (#269), the heartbeat of Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year journey that redefined the nation's approach to the longest format.

Image credit: James Ross/AAP

A Journey from Delhi Streets to Global Arenas

Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, Kohli's cricketing aspirations were nurtured early by his father, Prem Kohli, who recognized his son's potential and enrolled him at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. Under the guidance of coach Rajkumar Sharma, young Virat honed his skills, laying the foundation for a career that would inspire millions.

The untimely demise of his father in 2006 was a turning point. Demonstrating unparalleled commitment, Kohli played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi the very next day, scoring 90 runs—a testament to his resilience and dedication.

Test Career: Statistics and Milestones

• Matches Played: 123

• Runs Scored: 9,230

• Batting Average: 46.85

• Centuries: 30

• Half-Centuries: 31

• Highest Score: 254*

• Double Centuries: 7 (most by an Indian captain)

• Catches: 121

  
  

Kohli's prowess was particularly evident against formidable opponents like Australia, against whom he amassed 2,232 runs, including nine centuries.

Leadership: Transforming Indian Test Cricket

Appointed Test captain in 2014, Kohli's tenure saw India achieve:

• 40 Wins in 68 Matches: Making him India's most successful Test captain.

• Historic Series Win in Australia (2018-19): India's first on Australian soil.

• Consistent Home Dominance: Maintaining an unbeaten record in home series.

• World Test Championship Finals: Leading India to two consecutive finals.

  
  

His captaincy was marked by an aggressive approach, backing a potent pace attack, and instilling a winning mentality, especially in overseas conditions. The aggressive approach on the field reflected in how he approached and responded to media. In 2014 when he was given the captaincy in the middle of a series, in the last test match India needed a huge score to win in the last day. He took the game by it's horns and the Aussies were completely lost in the aggressive nature of Kohli's batting along with his deputy Rahane when they almost chased down the target. In the press conference the questions were flying from different journalist asking why they were attacking but could have defended for a draw. Kohli replied in his own unique way and said something like "I don't play for draws, I play for the wins and If we lose in that process, I am fine with it."

Discipline and Fitness: Setting New Standards

Kohli's commitment to fitness revolutionized Indian cricket's approach to physical conditioning. 

He knew early on if he has to build a team of players who are fit and ready to go, he has to make changes to his routine, diet and fitness. His introduction of rigorous fitness standards, including the Yo-Yo test, set new benchmarks, ensuring players met high physical criteria. This emphasis on fitness not only enhanced individual performances but also contributed to the team's overall success. To sustain in a test match with the same intensity through-out needs discipline, dedication and hunger to achieve greatness. He made it sure that the fitness standards keeps getting higher and embed in the DNA of each team members. The fitness regime became a norm with the state teams and even to the level of divisional teams in India. This mindset change in players is what made him the player he is today.

Batting Brilliance: Memorable Innings

• 141 vs Australia, Adelaide (2014): A masterclass in chasing under pressure.

• 200 vs West Indies, Antigua (2016): His maiden double century, showcasing endurance.

• 149 vs England, Edgbaston (2018): Silencing critics with a commanding performance.

• 254 vs South Africa, Pune (2019):* His highest Test score, reflecting dominance.

Kohli's batting was characterized by technical proficiency, especially his signature cover drives, and an ability to adapt across conditions and oppositions.

Influencers: Pillars Behind the Legend

• Prem Kohli (Father): His unwavering support laid the foundation for Virat's career.

• Rajkumar Sharma (Coach): Instrumental in shaping Kohli's early cricketing journey.

• MS Dhoni (Mentor): Provided guidance and leadership transition, fostering Kohli's growth as a captain.

Legacy: Beyond Numbers — Redefining the DNA of Indian Test Cricket

Virat Kohli didn’t just play Test cricket—he resurrected it in an era obsessed with white-ball fireworks. He made whites fashionable again, not through gimmicks but through sheer passion, intensity, and results.

When Kohli took over the Test captaincy in 2014, India was a team in transition—still nursing wounds from overseas humiliations and lacking bite away from home. By the time he stepped down, the Indian Test side was a hardened unit, feared globally and uncompromising in standards. He transformed the very culture of Indian Test cricket, and here’s how:

Fitness as Non-Negotiable

Before Kohli, fitness was desirable. After him, it became mandatory. He led by example—trading junk food for discipline, putting in hours at the gym, and insisting on elite fitness benchmarks like the Yo-Yo test. He changed how Indian cricketers viewed their own bodies—not as tools, but as temples. The result? Longer careers, quicker fielders, agile bowlers, and a team capable of competing for five days, anywhere in the world.

Aggression with Accountability

Kohli’s aggression wasn’t just in your face—it was strategic. He brought a fearless attitude that allowed India to chase 400, bowl out teams in the fourth innings, and believe they could win in Australia, England, or South Africa. He never settled for “a good fight”—he demanded wins. His mantra: compete hard, dominate harder. This fierce competitiveness redefined the Indian dressing room’s mindset.

The Pace Revolution

For decades, India’s bowling attack relied on spinners at home and hope abroad. Kohli changed that blueprint. He invested faith in fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav. He gave them the backing, rotation, and confidence needed to hunt in packs. Under Kohli, India didn’t just play four seamers overseas—they won with them.

Respecting Test Cricket’s Sanctity

Even during his peak as a T20 and ODI star, Kohli never hid his love for the red-ball game. He publicly stated that Test cricket was the “purest form” and treated it as such. He inspired the next generation to admire the grind of a five-day game, often saying, "If you want to be remembered as a great, perform in Test cricket." Kids started shadow-practicing forward defenses again. Ranji matches mattered again.

Strategic Captaincy

Kohli’s on-field strategies—whether declaring aggressively, backing bowlers through dry spells, using attacking fields even late in the day—showed a desire to win Tests, not just play them out. He didn’t believe in safety nets. That mindset filtered through the team and raised the bar for what it meant to be competitive in Tests.

Inspiring a Generation

Kohli’s transformation—from a raw teenager to the most disciplined, driven professional—became a case study in self-belief and growth. His story resonated with a generation that saw themselves in him: passionate, flawed, ambitious, and willing to evolve. Aspiring cricketers began focusing not just on talent, but on temperament, work ethic, and professionalism.

In every way possible, Kohli left Test cricket in a better place than he found it. He didn’t just accumulate centuries—he built a culture. A system. A legacy. And in doing so, he gave Indian Test cricket its swagger.

As he steps away from Test cricket, the void he leaves is immense, but his legacy serves as a guiding light for future generations.