Test cricket has bid farewell to one of its most illustrious figures as Virat Kohli has chosen to retire from the format. Known as the cricketing equivalent of soccer legend Lionel Messi, Kohli has established a legendary status through his remarkable performances during a career that has captivated a nation of 1.4 billion people. Over the span of his 14-year journey in test cricket, Kohli has generated some impressive statistics that underscore his dominance in the sport.
Kohli achieved an astounding total of seven double-centuries in test matches, the highest by an Indian batsman and fourth in the history of test cricket. Remarkably, six of these double-hundreds were scored in just an 18-month, 33-innings period from July 2016 to December 2017, a time when he was hailed as the No. 1 batsman in test cricket. His ability to convert starts into big scores elevated his stature in the international cricket community.
Throughout his test career, Kohli scored 30 centuries, a feat achieved by only 14 players worldwide, complementing those with 31 half-centuries. His batting average stood at an impressive 46.85, reflecting his consistency and skill with the bat over numerous matches. Kohli’s contributions to the game extend beyond batting as he led the Indian team in 68 tests, securing 40 victories—the highest for any Indian captain and fourth overall in the history of test cricket.
Kohli’s personal best in test cricket, a mammoth 254 not out, came against South Africa in Pune, India, in October 2019, marking the last of his double centuries. In terms of overall test runs for India, Kohli stands fourth, notching up 9,230 runs—surpassed only by Indian cricket icons Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His presence was not limited to the cricket field; Kohli has also garnered a massive fanbase off the field, evident from his 271 million followers on Instagram.
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in test cricket as fans and teammates alike reflect on the incredible contributions he made to the sport. His career, laden with extraordinary achievements and milestones, has set a benchmark for future generations of cricketers. As cricket continues to evolve, Virat Kohli’s legacy will remain an integral part of its rich history, inspiring young athletes and entertaining millions worldwide.