The legendary cricketer’s departure leaves a lasting legacy of passion, and revival for the longest format of the game
May 12, 2025, marked the end of an era in world cricket, as Virat Kohli, the most iconic face of modern Test cricket, announced his retirement from the red-ball format. His decision has left millions of fans heartbroken and the cricketing world in stunned silence. Kohli was not just a player; he was the soul of Test cricket, a format that was fast losing its charm before he reignited its flame with his unmatched passion, fierce dedication, and indomitable spirit.
A Warrior Of The White Jersey
Kohli’s love for Test cricket was unlike anything the sport had seen in recent decades. In a time when T20 leagues and limited-overs formats were dominating global attention, Kohli stood tall as a guardian of the longest format. He wore the whites with a sense of pride and honour that made Test cricket look glamorous again. For him, red-ball cricket wasn’t just a game—it was a battlefield of character, discipline, and grit.
From his aggressive captaincy to his classical strokeplay, everything about Kohli screamed “Test cricket matters.” Under his leadership, India achieved historic feats—overseas victories in Australia, competitive performances in England and South Africa, and the rise of a formidable pace attack. His aggression on the field wasn’t just about emotions—it was about setting standards, demanding intensity, and making the world sit up and take notice of Indian Test cricket.
Making Test Cricket Popular Again
There was a time when Test matches were being played in front of empty stadiums. Fans and sponsors alike were drifting away. But Kohli, with his charisma and consistency, brought back the magic. Stadiums began to fill, especially in India. People started waking up early and staying glued to the TV for five days straight—not for T20s or ODIs—but to watch Kohli walk out in whites, with fire in his eyes and purpose in his stride.
He inspired a generation of cricketers to respect and value Test cricket. His reverence for the format brought global attention back to it. His battles with the world’s best—Anderson in England, Cummins in Australia, Rabada in South Africa—were not just contests of skill, but symbolic clashes that redefined the thrill of Test cricket.
A Retirement That Feels Too Soon
The announcement of Kohli’s retirement from Tests feels untimely and abrupt. With Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin already having stepped away from the format recently, India is in a phase of transition. The upcoming England tour—a high-profile contest—needed the presence of a seasoned warrior like Kohli. His experience, temperament, and hunger were crucial for a relatively young side.
While the official reasons remain undisclosed, one cannot help but feel that this decision may have been influenced by non-cricketing factors. At 36, Kohli is still among the fittest athletes in the game. His recent performances showed no signs of slowing down. He looked as hungry as ever. Physically and mentally, he seemed ready for at least two more years of elite cricket.
A Plea From The Fans
As fans, we hope this isn’t the final chapter. Cricket has seen legends return, and maybe Kohli will too. Test cricket still needs his fire. India still needs his guidance. The world still needs that one man who made red-ball cricket a religion in the modern age.
While we now look forward to watching him in ODIs and possibly T20s, the void he leaves in Test cricket is immense. His departure isn’t just the end of a career; it’s the closing of a glorious chapter in the story of Test cricket.
Thank you, Virat, for loving Test cricket like no one else. You didn’t just play the format—you revived it. You didn’t just perform—you inspired.
The writer is a teacher at the School Education Department
Mohamad Yasin Malik
ma**********@***il.com