Wherever Virat Kohli went, guts and glory followed him as he tormented some of the game’s finest teams and bowlers in the longest format of the game
OdishaPlus Bureau
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that spanned 14 years. From leading India to historic overseas triumphs to crafting match-defining centuries under pressure, Kohli stood tall almost every time.
Taking to Instagram, Kohli wrote: “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. 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.”
“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,” he wrote in caption while sharing a picture.
“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,” read the post.
Here’s a trip down memory lane to some of his blitzkrieg knocks in Test cricket for India.
Johannesburg, 2013 (South Africa)
In his first tour to South Africa, Kohli announced his arrival in tough overseas conditions with scores of 119 and 96 at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, in 2013.
Facing the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel on a lively pitch, Kohli showcased supreme technique against the fiery pace and bounce from the Proteas quicks.
His first-innings century laid the foundation for India’s strong total, while his composed 96 in the second innings nearly resulted in twin centuries in the match.
Adelaide, 2014 (Australia)
Taking over as India’s stand-in Test captain for the first time in Adelaide after MS Dhoni’s injury, Kohli led from the front with twin centuries-115 in the first innings and 141 in the second. His first innings was full of confident strokeplay, dominating the Australian attack on a flat pitch.
However, it was his second-innings 141 that truly stood out. Chasing 364 for victory, Kohli launched a bold counterattack despite losing partners at regular intervals, refusing to play for a draw. His aggressive intent kept India in the hunt until his dismissal triggered a collapse.
Mumbai, 2016 (England)
In the fourth Test of England’s tour of India in 2016 at the Wankhede Stadium, Kohli produced a monumental innings of 235 – his then highest score in Test cricket.
Batting on a pitch that started assisting spin early on, he masterfully countered England’s spinners and pacers alike.
His innings was the backbone of India’s mammoth total of 631, helping the hosts secure an innings victory and seal the series.
Kohli batted for nearly nine hours, facing 340 deliveries, with 25 fours and a six, exhibiting exceptional stamina and concentration.
Edgbaston, 2018 (England)
Virat Kohli silenced critics and rewrote his narrative in England with a stunning 149 in the first Test at Edgbaston in 2018 – his very first century in England.
Coming into the series under immense pressure after his poor outing in England in 2014, Kohli faced a formidable attack featuring James Anderson and Stuart Broad once again under testing conditions.
Walking in at 54/2, he weathered relentless swing and seam to notch up a blistering century, almost single-handedly keeping India in the game as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Centurion, 2018 153 (South Africa)
At Centurion in 2018, Virat Kohli played one of his grittiest knocks under difficult overseas conditions.
On a spicy pitch with variable bounce and against a quality South African pace attack led by Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander, Kohli compiled a superb 153 out of India’s total of 307.
What made the innings remarkable was how Kohli stood tall as wickets kept falling at the other end – no other Indian batter crossed 50 in the innings.
His knock included 15 boundaries and was a mix of elegant stroke play and steely resolve.
Pune, 2019 (South Africa)
Virat Kohli’s career-best Test score of 254 (not out) came in the second Test of the 2019 series against South Africa at Pune.
Walking in at 136/2 after the openers laid a solid foundation, Kohli anchored the innings with supreme control, pacing his knock perfectly over nearly eight hours at the crease.
His innings, studded with 33 fours and 2 sixes, dismantled a quality South African bowling attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and debutant Anrich Nortje, none of whom could find a way past his solid defense and elegant strokeplay.
Kohli’s unbeaten double-century helped India declare at 601/5, setting up a dominant innings and 137-run victory.
