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Kohli, Virat

Virat Kohli Opens Up on Test Retirement: A Departure of a Cricket Legend

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Bhubaneswar resident Virat Kohli has made headlines with his Test retirement, leaving millions of fans heartbroken. In his first public comments since the announcement, Kohli reflected on his glittering Test career, which saw him represent India in 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He redefined India's overseas dominance, becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia in 2018-19.

Key Takeaways:

  • Virat Kohli has spoken publicly for the first time since announcing his Test retirement, sharing his thoughts at a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London.
  • Kohli reflected on his relationship with Yuvraj Singh, recalling their early days and Yuvraj's courageous comeback from cancer, calling him a source of inspiration.
  • He also expressed his gratitude to Ravi Shastri, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan, who took him under their wings when he started playing, and to Yuvraj for his encouragement and support.
  • Kohli bowed out with an impressive record of 30 centuries, 7 double hundreds (an Indian record), and 46.85 average, cementing his status as one of India's greatest Test cricketers.
  • He has left behind a legacy of winning a Test series in Australia in 2018-19, and will be remembered for his passion, grit, and countless match-winning knocks.
  • Kohli called Shubman Gill India's new "star boy" and wished him success as the next Test captain, congratulating him on his record-breaking 269 against England.
  • The event marked Kohli's first public comments since his Instagram post on May 12, where he penned an emotional farewell to Test cricket.

Statistics:

  • Virat Kohli played 123 Test matches for India, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
  • He redefined India's overseas dominance, becoming the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia in 2018-19.
  • Kohli achieved an Indian record of 7 double hundreds, and scored 30 centuries in Test cricket.
  • His highest score in Test cricket was 254.
  • He stepped away from Test cricket just five days after Rohit Sharma's retirement from red-ball cricket.

Sources:

  • Virat Kohli's Instagram post on May 12, where he announced his retirement from Test cricket.
  • Orissa TV.
  • Yuvraj Singh's charity event hosted by the YouWeCan Foundation in London.

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