Indian cricket is about to undergo a huge change. In what may represent the end of a golden age, reports have emerged that one of the most recognizable names of modern cricket, Virat Kohli has told the BCCI his intention to retire from Test cricket. There is no formal announcement made yet. however, it is confirmed by several sources, that the decision was not a snap decision, and had been thought about for weeks if not months. If confirmed, and confirmed in Test cricket, it will officially initiate a new and questionable era of Indian cricket.
A Thought-Out Decision, Not An Impulsive Decision.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli’s decision was communicated to the BCCI over a month ago. This was not something he did on the spur of the moment, due to fatigue or frustration but, a conscious and rational expression of a wish to step away from international cricket after more than a decade in the game. Kohli is now 36 years of age, and has been an omnipresent figure in Indian Test cricket since his debut in 2011. The fact that someone with Kohli’s cricketing zeal is even contemplating a retreat, highlights the physical and emotional strain that elite international level cricket imposes.
The news comes after Rohit Sharma’s recently announced retirement from Test cricket and R.Ashwin’s farewell during the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. With this attrition, one cannot help but contemplate if Indian cricket is in some way transitioning from an era to an era, perhaps more robustly than anticipated.
The imprint of a Test giant
Virat Kohli’s impact on Indian Test Cricket cannot be reasonably isolated by the sheer statistics, although they are remarkable. In 123 tests he has accumulated 9,230 runs at 46.85 with 29 centuries. Though the pure statistics do tell part of the story. Kohli’s legacy lies in what he has made possible for India to achieve in the red-ball game.
At the time of his ascension to captaincy from MS Dhoni, India had patchy overseas record, and the side offered little threat outside subcontinental conditions. Kohli initiated change in a team subculture he established on fitness. He ushered in a style of play, or manner of professionalism, that demanded his players to be at their peak physically and mentally. This demand was not tokenistic, and yielded results. India began to win tests overseas, as the competitive culture implemented preparations yielded winning results along with demonstration of true competitive spirit in Australia, South Africa and England. Kohli captained India for 68 tests, winning 40 and losing 17. No captain in India before Kohli had matched the wins or unmatched the losses.
A Captain, Not Just An Icon of Indian Test Cricket
Perhaps Kohli will be best remembered for returned Test cricket, perhaps not the prominence it should be in what appears to be a T20 era. Kohli never hesitated to profess his love for Test cricket, and it was often him who suggested to broadcasters that Test cricket brought out his best role as a cricket player. He cherished playing the game at the highest intensity possible, lifted the intensity of the side, reveled in celebrating wickets like a fast bowler, and acted out his emotion for others to see.
Some of Kohli’s most memorable moments as captain include the famous Test series win in Australia (2-1) in 2018-19 (albeit without him at the end), his match-winning century against South Africa at Centurion, and how he kept playing with five bowlers at all times, when few other leaders had the audacity to do that.
The Decline in Form: Is This a Natural Arc?
Even with such a towering legacy, Kohli has experienced some struggle for form over the last few years. Since reaching the pinnacle of a career average of 55.10 in 2019, his return have been much more meek. Between 2020 and 2024, his average during that time was a paltry 32.56, which is a long way from his prime. His century in Perth in late 2023 ended a 16-month drought, and was a quick reminder of vintage Kohli, but he has looked not like himself during a significant portion of the time since. Just the consistency he was famous for is harder to find.
Much of this could be simply due to the natural arc of a long career. Mental fatigue, different priorities and the sheer way Kohli has lived his cricketing life have likely contributed. And, out of all formats, Test cricket demands sustained concentration and mental effort and concentration, both harder to demand of a body and mind as a player ages.
The Leadership Hole
With Rohit Sharma out and Kohli not far behind, India’s Test team is facing a large hole in leadership. With R Ashwin gone, the hole felt even larger. Shubman Gill has been mentioned as the next Test leader, but he won’t have nearly the same depth of experience to take that on right now.
Kohli’s role, even if his role is diminished as a player, is key to this transition. Either as a mentor for younger players, or in the role of senior statesman, he can help straddle the generations. Whether he chooses to fulfill that role, or go all the way away will be determined over some period of time.
The Fan Situation: Grief, Respect and Acceptance
For Indian fans, Kohli’s choice to retire would be very emotional for many. Many fans saw him grow from a curious brat to arguably one of the fiercest competitors the game has seen. His aggression, his fist pumps, his batter saving performances, were all memorable activities woven into the fabric of their memories.
Of course, while this transition appears painful, it also means opportunity. It is a time to fully appreciate the quite extraordinary career of a man who made so many sacrifices for the Indian jersey. Now is also the time for reflection – for fans, for the team, for the board as well – to make sure that the next crop f players have the capabilities to carry on the ideals Kohli embodied – fitness, passion and a will to win.
What Does the Future Hold?
Kohli has yet to reveal what he plans to do. He is expected to share his intentions in the very near future and perhaps with all the dignity and poise of a man of his stature, in bat and ball alone. Regardless of what he chooses the writing is on the wall, the Indian cricket team is entering a new chapter.
His Test career may be coming to a close, but his legacy will continue on – on the pitch, in the changing room, and in the culture of the Indian cricket team. Whenever he does say goodbye to his whites, it will be the end of an era – and the start of another.