Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36, concluding a remarkable 14-year career. He shared his decision via Instagram, expressing gratitude for his journey in the longest format of the game. Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Under his captaincy from 2014 to 2022, India achieved 40 Test victories—the most by any Indian captain—and secured their first series win in Australia .
His retirement follows closely after that of former captain Rohit Sharma, creating a leadership void in the Indian team as they prepare for a critical five-match tour of England. Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) urging him to stay through the series due to ongoing internal team tensions and the mentoring needs of younger players, Kohli is reportedly firm in his decision .
The BCCI now faces the challenge of appointing a new Test captain. While Jasprit Bumrah is a potential candidate, concerns about the workload on fast bowlers may influence the decision. Shubman Gill has also been considered for leadership roles, but his inconsistent performance, averaging just 25 in recent matches, raises questions about his readiness for the position .
Kohli’s departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, and his contributions to the game have left an indelible mark. As the team transitions to a new leadership phase, the focus will be on building a squad capable of sustaining India’s success in the longest format of the game.
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