‘The legacy will continue…’: BCCI pays tribute to Virat Kohli after retirement from Test cricket
New Delhi: Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has been confirmed, ending a significant chapter in his career. While retirement rumors had circulated, Kohli ultimately made his decision public on Monday, despite reported attempts by the BCCI to persuade him to reconsider.
“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.
Kohli shared on Instagram that playing in white evokes a profound sense of personal reflection, encompassing the arduous work, extended hours, and private experiences that leave a lasting impact.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged Virat Kohli’s retirement and honored his legacy as one of India’s most successful Test captains.
Virat Kohli’s distinguished Test career concluded with 9230 runs across 123 matches, featuring 30 centuries. His aggressive captaincy significantly impacted Indian Test cricket, transforming the team into a dominant force. Leading India in a record 68 Tests for an Indian captain, he boasts a remarkably high win percentage of 58.82% (40 wins, 11 draws) and a low loss rate of 25% (17 losses). While fewer Test wins than Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting, and Graeme Smith, Kohli remains India’s most successful Test captain.
Virat Kohli boasts a highly successful captaincy record, marked by series victories in Australia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka, as well as Test match wins in England and South Africa. Furthermore, he achieved an undefeated record in all eleven Test series played at home.
Virat Kohli’s recent Test cricket performance had been underwhelming, with a total of 1990 runs in 37 matches over the past five years, including only three centuries. Following a disappointing Australian series, where his average was approximately 23, he reportedly decided to retire from Test cricket.
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