Virat Kohli has made a significant announcement regarding his future in cricket, declaring his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. This decision comes at a pivotal moment, as India prepares to embark on a new World Test Championship cycle.
In recent years, Kohli’s performance has shown a noticeable decline, marked by his lackluster display during the Test series in Australia, which has historically been a favorable arena for him. His statistics since 2021 reveal a worrisome trend, with an average of less than 32 across 63 innings and just 11 scores of fifty or more. This not only indicates a steep fall from his previously elevated standards but also contrasts starkly with the resurgence of contemporaries like Joe Root and Steve Smith, who have found their form during this period.
Despite the struggles that characterized the final phase of his Test career, it would be remiss to overlook the remarkable journey Kohli has had over nearly 14 years in the longest format of the game.
Kohli first made his mark in the international arena during the challenging 2014 tour of Australia, demonstrating his mettle against legendary fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who had been a significant threat in the preceding Ashes series. Kohli’s ability to score 692 runs in eight innings, including four centuries, served as a turning point, allowing him to shed the label of "home bully" that had followed him after a disappointing England tour earlier that same year.
A defining aspect of Kohli’s career has been his tenacity in facing elite bowlers. During his subsequent visit to Australia, he faced the formidable pace trio of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins, achieving an impressive average of over 50 against Starc and Hazlewood. Furthermore, Kohli’s overall performance against this duo in Tests reflected his skill, although fluctuations in form eventually led to difficulties in the final phase of his journey against them.
Kohli’s encounters with the renowned pair of James Anderson and Stuart Broad also highlight his evolution as a batsman. After being dismissed frequently in his first series against them in 2014, he made an impressive comeback by avoiding Anderson’s wickets in eight innings during his next tour, while Broad managed to dismiss him only twice in ten attempts. Accumulating 593 runs and averaging near 60 in that series showcased his notable resilience.
Kohli's prowess was not confined to battling pace; he equally excelled in confronting spin bowlers. His aggregate of 3,945 runs against spinners, while less than his tally against fast bowlers, signals an impressive efficiency against slower deliveries, as demonstrated by his superior average and minimal dismissal rates. Two standout years in his career—2016 and 2017—highlighted his remarkable performance against spin, as he posted over 1,000 runs in consecutive calendar years.
In 2018, Kohli achieved his personal best with 1,322 runs amid a schedule filled with overseas tours, propelling him into an elite group of players able to score 1,000 runs or more in three successive years. This adaptability in his approach has been a critical factor in his sustained success, allowing him to navigate various challenges posed by international cricket.
Kohli’s career is underscored by his ability to make adjustments, particularly with his batting stance and trigger movements, which he revised in response to specific conditions encountered during his many tours. During the peak years of his career, Kohli overwhelmingly favored playing off his front foot, with about 60 percent—sometimes even more—of his shots coming from this position. More recently, however, this percentage dropped to around 50, as seen during his latest stint in Australia, where he struggled with his technique, particularly when facing deliveries outside off stump.
Although Kohli had a potential opportunity for a comeback during the upcoming Test series in England, his announcement on Monday effectively closes this chapter, marking an end to his aspirations of redemption.
As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he departs just shy of the 10,000-run milestone, which was once a personal dream, and with an average falling below 50. Yet, despite falling short of these significant statistical benchmarks, Kohli's legacy as a modern great remains intact, as he leaves a profound impact on the sport that transcends mere numbers. His contributions have not only shaped the landscape of Indian cricket but have also inspired countless aspiring players around the world.