Virat Kohli, the former Indian cricket captain, has decided to step away from Test cricket, as confirmed to the BCCI. Now 36, Kohli has been in the spotlight for selection since Rohit Sharma, his teammate and captain, recently announced his own Test retirement.
Kohli took on the role of India’s Test captain in 2014 and has been recognized as one of the country’s best. Under his leadership, India achieved significant milestones, including winning a Test series in Australia for the first time. He also led India to a draw in a Test series in South Africa and an away series victory in England, where India was ahead in a five-match series before the last Test was pushed back by a year. English players clinched that final match, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Kohli has played a big part in shaping India’s pace bowling lineup, with players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Umesh Yadav rising through the ranks during his captaincy.
When it comes to stats, Kohli stands out as India’s most successful Test captain. Under his guidance, the team played 68 Tests, winning 40, losing 17, and drawing 11. They claimed 25 of those victories at home and 15 away, giving Kohli an impressive win rate of 58.82%.
Despite these achievements, Kohli has struggled recently, particularly during the Australia tour, where he had a tough time at the crease, scoring just one century in five Tests and totaling 190 runs over nine innings.
Now, Kohli has let the BCCI know about his retirement from Test cricket, a decision that comes just as Team India is gearing up for a five-match Test series in England starting June 20.
Rohit Sharma recently announced his own retirement from Tests after the BCCI indicated they wouldn’t be viewing him as a captain going forward. A report from the Indian Express mentioned that Kohli has informed the board of his decision to retire. The BCCI has asked him to reconsider, especially with the England tour approaching, but he hasn’t responded to that yet. Sources told the publication that Kohli seems set on moving on from Test cricket.
