Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: Brother Vikas Pens Emotional Tribute
In a moment that has left cricket fans across the globe emotional, Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old shared a heartfelt post on social media, reflecting on the challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories that Test cricket gifted him.
Kohli’s elder brother, Vikas Kohli, added to the wave of emotions with a touching tribute on Instagram, expressing immense pride in his sibling’s unparalleled achievements. Vikas shared Virat’s retirement post with a simple yet powerful caption: “Always proud.” In a follow-up story, he wrote, “What an incredible journey champ. What you have done for the game cannot be replaced. Always proud of you, bhai.”
In his retirement note, Virat delved into the profound connection he felt with Test cricket. “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,” he wrote. He spoke of the personal significance of playing in whites, the unseen grind, and the quiet, enduring moments that defined his career. “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,” he added, signing off with “#269, signing off.”
Kohli’s Test career is nothing short of legendary. Since his debut in 2011 against the West Indies, he has played 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85. His tally includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a career-best score of 254 not out against South Africa in 2019. As a member of the elite “Fab Four” alongside Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root, Kohli has been a dominant force in Test cricket over the past decade.
Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli redefined Indian Test cricket as a captain. Leading the side in 68 matches, he secured 40 wins—the most by any Indian captain—surpassing Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s record of 27 wins in 60 matches. Under his leadership, India achieved historic milestones, including becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia in 2018-19. His aggressive captaincy style and unrelenting passion inspired a generation of cricketers.
As Kohli steps away from Tests, the cricket fraternity and fans alike are left reflecting on his indelible mark on the game. While he bids farewell to the whites, his legacy as one of India’s greatest Test players and leaders remains etched in history. The question now looms: what’s next for the modern-day icon? With his focus likely shifting to limited-overs formats and the IPL, one thing is certain—Virat Kohli’s hunger for excellence will continue to shine bright.