Virat Kohli’s recent decision to retire from Test cricket marks the end of an era for the format.
He leaves behind a legacy that includes some of the most electrifying performances and the fiercest advocacy for Test cricket.
However, this move does not hurt India’s prospects in the upcoming five-match series in England this summer. In fact, it may very well enhance them.
A Legacy of Achievement
Kohli, at the age of 36, steps away with an outstanding Test career to his name.
With 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and countless unforgettable moments, his record speaks for itself.
From late 2014 to the end of 2019, Kohli’s performance seemed destined to immortalize him as one of the game’s greats.
He averaged a staggering 63 during this period, converting 21 of his 34 scores of 50 into centuries.
His numbers were not just impressive; they were driven by an insatiable work ethic and a magnetic persona.
In the world of Test cricket, Kohli was the man everyone wanted to watch.
Whether it was the fluidity of his cover drives off fast bowlers or his commanding presence in the slip field, he captivated audiences worldwide.
Kohli led India to several memorable victories, including a historic win at Lord’s in 2021, where his leadership was integral to India’s success.
His leadership record, with 40 wins, remains a national record.
The Face of Indian Cricket
Kohli was not just a cricketer; he was the face of Indian Test cricket.
After Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, he stepped into the iconic shoes that millions of fans revered. The sight of his arrival at the crease was enough to excite a nation.
In an era dominated by limited-overs cricket, Kohli made it clear that Test cricket still had a special place.
His passion for the format was evident, and in a post confirming his retirement, he reflected on what made Test cricket so unique: the personal grind, the long days, and the moments that only players truly understand.
A Strategic Decision
However, Kohli’s decision wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment choice.
The cricketer, known for his professionalism, recognized that the time had come to step away.
Over the last five years, his form in Test cricket had started to dip, which raised concerns about his future in the format.
In 69 innings, he managed just three centuries and an average of 30, which is far below the standard expected from India’s number four batter.
The pitches in India, notorious for their sharp spin, didn’t help matters.
Even for a player of Kohli’s caliber, batting became a gamble.
Additionally, as he entered his thirties, his judgment, especially outside off stump, started to deteriorate.
During India’s tour to Australia, he managed just one memorable innings – a pressure-free hundred in Perth.
However, his overall average was a mere 11, as he continued to edge deliveries behind the stumps, a shadow of the player he once was.
Facing England: A Tough Challenge
As Kohli looked ahead to the series against England, memories of past failures in English conditions loomed large.
In his three previous tours, he had struggled, with an average of just 33 and India’s win record in England standing at a disappointing 6 wins in 19 Tests.
Though his 2018 series in England was an exception, where he scored 593 runs, doubts about his ability to replicate that form weighed heavily on him.
The fear of revisiting the struggles of 2014, when England’s Jimmy Anderson had dismissed him cheaply, likely influenced his decision to retire.
Kohli’s presence in the squad might have been more symbolic than practical.
Continuing on the basis of reputation alone could have sent the wrong message to India’s young talents: that legacy outweighs current form.
For England’s bowlers, Kohli was no longer the intimidating figure he once was.
His inclusion might have only distracted from India’s focus.
A Wise Decision
Kohli’s choice to step away from Test cricket now, while still at the top of his game, reflects maturity and an understanding of his place in the game.
As he put it, “It’s not easy, but it feels right.”
By retiring now, Kohli ensures that his legacy remains untarnished, leaving fans wanting more rather than witnessing a decline.
While the English summer will undoubtedly feel a little less exciting without him, India’s hopes for their first Test series win in England since 2007 remain intact.