Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian national cricket team, has made a decision that has stunned many with his latest move. This decision concludes a decade long era in the sport. He shared the news in an emotional Instagram post. In it, he unashamedly adopted the #269 hashtag to declare himself as the 269th player to wear the national Indian Test cap. Kohli leaves behind an impressive legacy that includes numerous records, accolades, and a profound impact on cricket in India and beyond.
Kohli’s last Test appearance came in January 2023 when he captained against Australia in Sydney. The hosts, unfortunately, had to surrender the series 3-1. He has been a remarkable progress-oriented crucial in the international cricket arena across his career. With 14 centuries and 31 fifties, he has left an undoubted mark in Test cricket. He has already scored a phenomenal 692 runs in the four Test series held in Australia. This achievement stands as his career best runs by an Indian batsman in such context.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Virat Kohli’s accomplishments in Test cricket have been record-setting. Only Sachin Tendulkar (12), Sunil Gavaskar (11) and Virender Sehwag (9) have more double centuries than him among Indian players, and he is fourth in the all-time list. His career-best Test innings of 254 runs was scored against South Africa in Pune, India, back in October 2019. This incredible achievement further highlights just how much the man has changed the game.
Between 2011 and 2019, Kohli’s batting average stood at an impressive close to 55, a testament to his consistency and skill. In the past 2 years, his average is down to 32.56. This steep drop off has led to speculation about his form right as he approaches retirement. Even with this decline, Kohli’s aggregate impact on the game of Test cricket is second to none.
Kohli served as captain in 68 Tests, winning 40 matches—the most for any Indian captain and ranking fourth overall in Test cricket history. His leadership, coupled with his all-round performance on the field, has raised the standards for generations of cricketers yet to come.
A Personal Farewell
News of Kohli’s retirement has drawn heated reactions from current players as well as avid fans of the sport. Jasprit Bumrah, an Indian bowler, expressed his sentiments by saying, “From making my Test debut under your captaincy to reaching new heights together for our country, your passion and energy will be missed but the legacy you leave behind remains unmatched.”
Former Sri Lankan captain Sanath Jayasuriya highlighted Kohli’s commitment to fitness and the sacrifices behind the scenes that contributed to his success. He stated, “While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you’ve made behind the scenes.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India’s opening batsman, shared his admiration for Kohli, saying, “The impact you’ve had on test cricket, and on cricket in India as a whole, is immeasurable. To have had the chance to share the pitch with you – someone I looked up to for so many years – was more than just a privilege. It was a moment I’ll carry with me forever.”
The Broader Impact of Kohli’s Career
Kohli’s influence on cricket transcends mere statistics. Through this, he showed everyone what was possible and raised the bar for creativity and innovation in the sport. Former Australia captain Greg Chappell poignantly remarked that “Kohli redefined expectations, challenged conventions, and symbolised the self-assured, unapologetic India of the 21st century.”
Reflecting on his journey in Test cricket, Kohli himself stated, “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 emphasized the personal connection he felt with the format: “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no-one sees but that stay with you forever.”
Even as Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he is no doubt still a pillar of the Indian One-Day International (ODI) side. Off the field, he’s got juice— 272 million Instagram followers and 67.8 million X followers, both records. His net worth is estimated at around £96 million ($126 million), made by his earnings as a salary, investments and endorsement contracts.
