In a moment that has sent ripples across the cricketing world, Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, just days before India’s squad announcement for the upcoming England series. A modern-day great and one of India’s most iconic cricketers, Kohli bids farewell to the format where he built his legacy over 14 unforgettable years.
Kohli represented India in 123 Test matches, scoring a remarkable 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries — seven of which were double hundreds. Known for his fierce determination and insatiable hunger for runs, Kohli’s presence at the crease embodied dominance, discipline, and passion.
A Captain Who Redefined Indian Test Cricket
Kohli’s leadership tenure marked a new era for Indian cricket. Appointed as Test captain in 2014, he led India in 68 matches, winning 40 — the most by any Indian captain. His aggressive, no-compromise approach elevated India’s competitiveness, especially in overseas conditions.
Among his many highlights, the historic 2-1 series win in Australia in 2018-19 stands tall — India’s first-ever triumph Down Under. Another defining moment was the 2021 England tour, where India took a 2-1 lead before the final Test was postponed due to COVID-19. Although England later drew the series 2-2, the spirit of Kohli’s team left a lasting impression.
With the bat as captain, Kohli scored 5,864 runs at an average of 54.80, including 20 centuries and 18 half-centuries — a testament to his consistency and leadership under pressure.
As Kohli steps away from the whites, Indian cricket salutes a true titan of the game. His legacy will continue to inspire generations. The King has left the arena, but his roar will echo forever in the history of Test cricket.
Kohli the Captain vs Kohli the Batter: A Tale of Two Careers
Virat Kohli’s greatness in Test cricket isn’t just about numbers — it’s about the impact he created, especially as a leader. His batting performance under the burden of captaincy remarkably outshone his numbers as a pure batter.
📊 As Captain (2014–2022):
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Matches: 68
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Runs: 5,864
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Average: 54.70
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Centuries: 20
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Fifties: 18
📉 As a Player (without captaincy):
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Matches: 55
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Runs: 3,366
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Average: 37.40
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Centuries: 10
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Fifties: 13
What stands out is that 63.5% of Kohli’s Test runs came while leading the side, a remarkable feat that reflects how captaincy fuelled his hunger and sharpened his focus. His conversion rate was higher, his consistency stronger, and his dominance more pronounced during his leadership phase.
While most players tend to buckle under the pressure of captaincy, Kohli thrived with the extra responsibility. His era was marked not only by winning matches but by leading from the front with the bat — often being the difference in key battles.
In many ways, Captain Kohli was a different beast — determined, aggressive, and technically resolute. The badge of leadership didn’t weigh him down — it elevated him.
Kohli’s Double Centuries as Captain: A Record Like No Other
When it comes to scoring big, Virat Kohli stands in a league of his own — especially as a captain.
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🏏 7 Double Centuries in Test cricket
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✅ All 7 came while leading India
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🏆 Most double centuries by any captain in Test history
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📈 India never lost a match when Kohli scored a double ton
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Wins: 6
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Draws: 1
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Losses: 0
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Kohli’s appetite for marathon knocks was amplified under captaincy. These double hundreds weren’t just statistical achievements — they were match-defining innings that often set up victories for India.
From his maiden double century in Antigua (2016) to the epic 254* against South Africa in Pune (2019), Kohli’s big scores came with authority, elegance, and the desire to bat teams out of the game.