The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has extended its heartfelt congratulations to Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket, a format he helped elevate with his passion, leadership, and commitment.
Kohli’s remarkable career has not only redefined standards of excellence in the game but also reignited a public passion for Test cricket at a time when limited-overs formats dominated the global stage.
Virat Kohli’s departure from the longest format marks the end of a significant era in Indian cricket.
He brought Test cricket back into the spotlight, reminding fans and players alike of its pure, unadulterated challenge.
The BCCI statement described his achievements as transcending numbers and highlighted the fierce pride Kohli demonstrated in representing India in Test matches.
A Career Defined By Consistency And Leadership
Virat Kohli’s Test career spanned 14 years, from his debut against the West Indies in 2011 to his final appearance in 2025.
In 123 Test matches, Kohli accumulated 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
While his statistics are exceptional, it is his impact on the Indian team that sets him apart.
Kohli’s leadership, particularly in overseas conditions, saw India evolve into a dominant force on the international cricketing scene.
As BCCI President Roger Binny noted, “Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket.” Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved historic feats, including becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia in 2018–19, and maintaining the No. 1 Test ranking for a record 42 consecutive months.
Virat Kohli: The Captain Who Changed Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli’s leadership style was both aggressive and unyielding, characteristics that led India to achieve unprecedented success on the global stage.
The BCCI highlighted his achievements as India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 victories in 68 Tests, making him a trailblazer in the history of Indian cricket.
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“Kohli set the bar very high for the next generation,” said BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, reflecting on Kohli’s legacy as both a batsman and a leader.
His emphasis on fitness, mental toughness, and discipline reshaped the Indian team’s approach to the game, fostering an attitude of relentless competitiveness.
Memorable Moments: Defining Milestones Of Kohli’s Career
Kohli’s Test career was peppered with unforgettable performances. His memorable 115 and 141 in the Adelaide Test of 2014, on his captaincy debut, set the tone for his career as a fearless leader.
This performance marked him as the first visiting batter since 1961 to score two centuries in a Test in Australia—a feat that remains unmatched.
His leadership in 2018–19 also ensured that India became the first Asian side to win a Test series in Australia, an achievement that further solidified his legacy as a captain who thrived in challenging conditions.
Under his guidance, India also clinched Test series victories in Sri Lanka and the West Indies, and was a runner-up in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final in 2021.
At home, Kohli’s India remained unbeaten in a Test series under his captaincy, winning 10 out of 11 series.
A Legacy That Will Last
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket brings an end to one of the most impactful careers in modern cricket.
The BCCI’s tributes reflect the extraordinary legacy Kohli leaves behind—one that has elevated India’s standing in Test cricket, reshaped the team’s approach to the format, and set a new standard for future generations.
As the BCCI aptly summed up, “Test cricket found not just an ambassador, but a true guardian in Virat Kohli.” His leadership, commitment, and excellence will continue to influence Indian cricket for decades to come.
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