In a move that has taken the cricketing world by surprise, Virat Kohli – fondly called “Cheeku” by his teammates – has announced his retirement from Test cricket, just ahead of the England series. While the decision is entirely his own, and one that must be respected, it inevitably marks the end of a glittering chapter in Indian cricket.
The void left by his departure will not be easily filled.
Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of extraordinary.
In 123 Test matches, he amassed 9,230 runs, making him the fourth-highest run scorer in India’s history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar – legends who defined eras.
His 30 Test centuries and seven double hundreds speak volumes about his hunger, discipline, and sheer dominance in the game’s longest format.
Kohli was more than just numbers. He was a force of nature – a blend of traditional technique and modern aggression. His unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019, his highest Test score, is etched in the memory of fans not just for the volume of runs but the authority with which he asserted India’s dominance.
Perhaps what set Kohli apart was not just his individual brilliance, but the transformation he brought about in the team.
When he took over the captaincy, Indian cricket was at a crossroads. The Dhoni era had closed, and the team needed a new identity.
Under Kohli, India found that identity – bold, fearless, and relentlessly aggressive. His captaincy brought a fitness revolution, raising the benchmark for physical standards and fielding.
India’s record under Kohli in Test cricket was historic. The team climbed to the No. 1 Test ranking and held onto it for five consecutive years.
Landmark series victories, including the back-to-back Test series wins in Australia, were built on a culture of belief that Kohli instilled in his players.
He dared to take five bowlers overseas. He backed his pacers and spinners alike. He believed in going for wins, not playing for draws – a mindset shift Indian cricket sorely needed.
Critics have often pointed out Kohli’s lean patches and his prolonged wait for a century in the latter part of his career, but even during these phases, his contribution with the bat and leadership on the field remained vital. His aggression – often misunderstood – was not about ego; it was about intensity. It showed in his celebrations, his stump-mic banter, and his refusal to be bullied by opponents. That spirit made India a much tougher team, especially abroad.
Of course, fans and pundits alike believed Kohli had a few more years left in him, especially given his supreme fitness. Rarely has a player looked as physically prepared to endure the demands of Test cricket well into his late 30s. But as he himself once said, “You have to know when it’s your time,” and we must accept that this is his decision, made with conviction.
As we look back, we must celebrate Kohli not just as one of the finest batters of his generation, but as a leader who elevated Indian Test cricket to new heights.
His legacy will live on in the attitude of the players, in the belief that India can win anywhere, and in the reverence he brought back to the format in an era dominated by T20s.
Cheeku may have walked off the red-ball stage, but his roar will echo for generations. His Test career was not just about runs and victories – it was about redefining India’s place in world cricket. And for that, Team India will always miss Cheeku.
