Virat Kohli Retires: How the 2018 England Tour Defined Him as ‘The Best’
In a career studded with monumental achievements, few chapters in Virat Kohli’s journey stand out as vividly as the 2018 England Test series. As the cricketing world comes to terms with the news of Kohli’s retirement, it’s fitting to revisit that defining tour—a moment when the Delhi dynamo silenced critics and etched his name among the pantheon of Test batting greats.
Back in 2014, Kohli’s struggles in England painted a bleak picture. A paltry 134 runs in 10 Test innings raised eyebrows and fueled debates over whether the aggressive right-hander could ever claim the coveted title of ‘the best Test batter.’ The swinging deliveries of James Anderson had tormented him, exposing vulnerabilities that seemed at odds with his otherwise commanding presence. For many, England became the ultimate litmus test for Kohli’s red-ball prowess.
Fast forward to 2018, and Kohli returned to English shores not just as a batter reborn, but as the captain of an ambitious Indian side hungry for overseas success. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Facing a formidable England pace attack featuring Anderson, Stuart Broad, Sam Curran, and Ben Stokes, Kohli knew he had personal demons to slay. The memories of 2014 lingered, but so did his resolve. As sessions unfolded at Edgbaston in the first Test, it was clear this was no ordinary comeback.
Kohli’s approach was nothing short of revolutionary. Defying conventional wisdom, which dictated playing late to counter swing in English conditions, the then-29-year-old took guard outside the crease. This audacious tactic was designed to meet the ball before it could wreak havoc—a high-risk strategy against bowlers clocking speeds above 135 km/h. Yet, Kohli made it work. His 149 and 51 in a losing cause at Birmingham not only eclipsed his 2014 tour tally in a single match but also showcased his fearless reinvention of Test batting.
What stood out most was Kohli’s mastery over Anderson, the nemesis of four years prior. The veteran swing maestro failed to dismiss him even once in the series, a fact that visibly irked Anderson. When quizzed about altering his lengths to push Kohli back, Anderson famously retorted with a sharp, “Do you want to be part of England’s support staff?”—a testament to how deeply Kohli had rattled him. Through the series, Kohli amassed 593 runs, including two centuries, burying all doubts about his ability to conquer England’s daunting conditions.
Reflecting on that series, Kohli later revealed the tactical genius behind his transformation. Under the guidance of then-coach Ravi Shastri, he embraced the mindset of controlling his space at the crease. “Ravi-bhai told me to stand outside the crease. He said, ‘You should dictate the space you’re playing in, not let bowlers get you out.’ It changed everything,” Kohli recounted. The results spoke for themselves—statistics from the series show he faced 1,045 balls, the most by any batter, underlining his grit and adaptability.
While Kohli toured England again in 2021, averaging a modest 27.44, his legacy in the country had already been sealed. The 2018 series wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a statement to the world that Kohli could dominate anywhere, under any conditions. As we bid farewell to one of cricket’s modern giants, the echoes of his 2018 heroics remind us why Virat Kohli will forever be celebrated as ‘the best’—a streetfighter who turned adversity into art.