Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket with 9,230 runs to his name and a legacy of leadership that transcended expectations.
“For 60 overs, they should feel like hell out there.” These fierce words, spoken by the veteran Virat Kohli, capture the essence of the intensity he brought to Test cricket. For over a decade, Kohli stood as a leader who presented himself as a symbol of passion, determination, and an unrelenting hunger for excellence.
However, the stalwart on May 12 hung up his boots in Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy, which has been celebrated by the entire world and the greatest players from the cricket fraternity.
When Kohli made his Test debut in Kingston, Jamaica, in 2011, things didn’t go as planned. He managed just 19 runs in his first two innings and finished the series averaging a modest 15.20. It would have been easy for doubts to creep in, but the Delhi boy refused to give up. Fast forward to 2025, in his final match against Australia, Kohli walked away not just as a prolific batter but as the man who redefined India’s identity in Test cricket.
Though he fell just short of the coveted 10,000-run mark, Kohli’s record speaks volumes: 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Among India players, only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar have scored more Test runs. Globally, he ranks sixteenth in terms of centuries scored.
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Virat Kohli’s skill of thriving under pressure
But beyond the numbers lies the real story of Virat Kohli, the performer who thrived under pressure and delivered when it mattered most. His centuries came not just at home but in the toughest conditions abroad.
He averaged over 50 in South Africa, scored seven centuries in Australia (the most by any India batter), and averaged over 42 in England. Kohli’s consistency in foreign conditions showcased his adaptability and mental strength, setting an example for future generations.
Kohli’s peak years, particularly 2016 and 2018, saw him deliver 14 Test centuries in just 35 matches, a period that defined his mastery over the red ball. He was more than just a batter, though. He was a visionary leader. As India’s Test captain, Kohli led the team in 68 matches, winning 40 of them – the most by any India captain in history.
Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.#ThankYouVirat pic.twitter.com/rvFAulcMSQ
Virat Kohli – A leader
His leadership brought about a cultural transformation. He placed fitness at the core of the team’s ethos and built a pace attack that could dominate on any surface. Under his guidance, India fast bowlers developed into world-beaters, something fans had long dreamed of but rarely witnessed.
As captain, Virat Kohli scored 5864 runs with 20 centuries and 7 double hundreds at an average of 54.80. More than the stats, it was his fearless mindset that stood out. He wasn’t afraid to challenge conventions. He pushed for victories in conditions where previous Indian teams would have settled for draws.
India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 remains one of Kohli’s biggest achievements. He became the first Asian captain to win a series Down Under. He also led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship and oversaw a golden run at home where India remained unbeaten from 2013 to 2021.
As you retire from Tests, I'm reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
One cannot forget India’s thrilling win at Lord’s in 2021. After drawing the first Test, Kohli’s team posted 364 in the second, with KL Rahul scoring a memorable 129. England responded with 391, but India came back strongly in the second innings and set a challenging target. The India bowlers then demolished England to seal a famous win at the iconic ground. It was a victory built on grit, belief, and Kohli’s confidence in his team.
Kohli has delivered many unforgettable innings. His 141 at Adelaide in 2014 almost led India to a stunning chase. His 149 at Edgbaston in 2018 silenced critics who questioned his ability in English conditions. His 254* against South Africa in 2019 stands as the highest score by an India Test captain. His 153 at Centurion in 2018 was equally special, in a match where no other batter crossed fifty.
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Leaving behind a legacy
His retirement from Test cricket may feel sudden to fans. With the passion still evident in his eyes and plenty of cricket left in him, it’s hard to imagine a red-ball side without Virat Kohli. But perhaps that’s the most fitting exit for a player who always followed his heart.
More than his numbers, Kohli leaves behind a legacy of belief and transformation. He has shown what it means to wear the Indian Test cap with pride. He has set benchmarks in commitment, preparation, and mental toughness. Future Indian teams will always be measured against the standards Kohli set.
He came, he saw, he conquered. In the purest format of the game, Virat Kohli has left a legacy that will be hard to match. The whites may now be off, but the fire he ignited in Indian cricket will continue to burn for generations.
I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tOdzaz2wej
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 12, 2025
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