Indian legend Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, following in the path of team-mate and fellow former captain Rohit Sharma.
Former captain Kohli is regarded as one of the best batters his country, and the world, has ever produced scoring 9230 runs for India in the longest form of the game from 123 matches.
Ending his Test career with an average of 46.85, he managed 30 centuries and 31 50s before bringing his time to a close.
While his career ends at the end of a tough spell with the bat following inconsistency in the middle, Kohli was known as one of the most destructive red-ball batters in the game.
‘It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,’ the 36-year-old posted on social media.
‘Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket after 123 matches for India
‘There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
‘As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.
‘I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.’
As captain, Kohli steered India to a long stint as world No 1, and secured their first ever away series win in Australia, and was thought to be a huge figure in driving fitness standards within Indian cricket.
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