A TITAN SIGNS OFF- VIRAT KOHLI'S GLORIOUS TEST JOURNEY ENDS

 

Author- Author- Sanket Shivansh Srivastava.

This Blog was first posted Here. 

On a quiet Monday morning, the cricketing world paused to absorb a momentous announcement. Virat Kohli, one of the most defining figures in the history of Indian cricket, officially brought his 14-year Test career to an end. The news, shared through an emotional social media post, sent ripples of nostalgia, admiration, and melancholy across fans and experts alike. Kohli leaves the longest format with 123 Test matches, 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, and 30 centuries—a legacy that redefined Indian Test cricket in the 21st century.

The Beginning: A Humble Start

Kohli’s Test career began in June 2011 on India's tour of the West Indies. His debut at Sabina Park in Kingston wasn’t dreamlike scores of 4 and 15 and a total of 76 runs in five innings didn’t hint at the greatness to come. But by the end of that year, in Mumbai, he began finding his rhythm with half-centuries in both innings against the same opponents. Still, his real arrival came in early 2012 when he scored a classy 116 against Australia in Adelaide, where the iconic journey truly took flight.

The Leader Rises: Kohli Takes the Helm

The turning point in his career—and perhaps for modern Indian Test cricket—came in December 2014. MS Dhoni’s sudden retirement from Tests during the tour of Australia opened the doors for Kohli to assume full-time captaincy. What followed was a transformational era for India. Under Kohli’s leadership, the team adopted a fearless, aggressive mindset, especially in overseas conditions.

India won 40 of the 68 Tests under his captaincy, the highest by any Indian skipper. His leadership made him not just statistically India’s most successful captain but also arguably its most influential, bringing a culture of intensity, fitness, and pride in playing in whites. He emphasized pace, fitness, and relentlessness, shaping a unit capable of winning anywhere.

Golden Years: Dominance with the Bat

From 2016 to 2018, Kohli entered a phase of supreme dominance. In those three years, he averaged nearly 67, amassing 3596 runs in 35 Tests, with 14 centuries. He averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, and 55.08 in 2018—numbers that solidified his place among the modern-day greats. During this period, Kohli’s consistency was remarkable, whether he was playing on spin-friendly Indian tracks or the seaming pitches of England and South Africa.

His twin hundreds in Adelaide in 2014, a sublime 167 against England in Visakhapatnam, and his career-best 254* against South Africa in Pune were not just masterclasses in technique but demonstrations of his mental resilience. Arguably, his most redemptive and cherished innings came in 2018 when he returned to England and put to rest the ghost of the disastrous 2014 tour. With 593 runs in five Tests at an average of nearly 60, he stood tall, even as India lost the series.

© BCCI

The Adelaide Symbolism: Where the Legacy Took Shape

Adelaide became more than just a venue for Kohli. It was in Adelaide in 2012 that he announced his arrival with a century. In 2014, as stand-in captain, he played two of his most iconic innings, scoring 115 and 141 in the same match. Though India lost the game, a new chapter had begun. His grit, hunger, and refusal to back down became symbolic of a new era in Indian cricket—bold, expressive, and competitive on foreign soil.

Kohli’s Impact on Indian Test Culture

Under Kohli’s captaincy, India didn’t just win at home. They began to challenge and conquer abroad. The 2018–19 series win in Australia was a watershed moment, India’s first-ever Test series victory Down Under. Kohli’s fingerprints were all over it—not just in strategy and spirit, but in belief. He empowered a pace attack that could dismantle opponents, encouraged fielding standards that matched global bests, and held himself to elite fitness levels.

His passion for Test cricket also stood out in a generation increasingly drawn to white-ball glitz. Kohli often described Tests as the “purest” and “most challenging” form of the game, something his farewell note reiterated with sentiment: "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."

The Challenges and the End

Like all great careers, Kohli’s too witnessed a dip. Post-2019, his form in Tests began to waver. His last century before a long drought came in the day-night Test against Bangladesh at Eden Gardens in 2019. It took over three years before he raised his bat again for a hundred—this time in Ahmedabad against Australia in 2023. In the final 24 months of his career, he averaged 32.56, a stark contrast from his prime.

A Generation Says Goodbye

Kohli’s departure follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirements from Test cricket. With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane out of contention and Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav not in the mix, an era has truly ended. Only KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah remain as remnants of the golden generation that reached back-to-back World Test Championship (WTC) finals.

The transition feels reminiscent of 2012–13, when the likes of Dravid, Laxman, and eventually Tendulkar signed off. It’s now time for a new wave, likely to be led by Shubman Gill in whites, to forge their own identity.

Kohli’s Place in History

Kohli retires as not only India's most successful Test captain but also one of the most influential players in modern cricket. His 30 centuries in 123 Tests place him among the finest batters the game has seen. More importantly, he was a custodian of the red-ball format in an era where T20 leagues often overshadowed it.

BCCI President Roger Binny summed it up aptly: “His leadership marked a shift in how India competed overseas — with aggression, belief, and a refusal to settle for second best.”

Kohli redefined what it meant to wear whites for India. He brought charisma, fight, and an insatiable hunger to a format that demands patience and perseverance. His legacy isn't just in numbers but in the attitude and ambition he infused into Indian Test cricket.

Signing Off with Gratitude

Kohli’s final post read like a heartfelt letter to the game: “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more… I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

As he signs off with cap number 269, Virat Kohli leaves behind not just a record book full of milestones but a blueprint for future generations—play hard, dream big, respect the game, and never settle.

Test cricket in India will never be the same again. And perhaps, that’s the greatest tribute to Virat Kohli’s legacy.

MAHI MAYHEM

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur [October 31, 2005].

In the winters of 2005, the Sri Lankan Cricket Team toured India to play 7 ODIs and 3 Test Matches. The hosts won the first two ODIs comfortably, and the action for the third ODI reached the pink city, Jaipur. In a must-win game, Sri Lankan Captain Marvan Atapattu won the toss and decided to bat first. The decision turned out to be a good one, as the visitors posted a massive total of 298 in their 50 overs. Kumar Sangakkara was the leading run scorer for the Sri Lankans as he scored an unbeaten 138 off 147 deliveries. Apart from him, Mahela Jayawardene scored a quick 71 as the Indian bowlers struggled for wickets. 

The Sri Lankans had a belief that they could win this game because they posted a decent score, and they had a lethal bowling line-up. Moreover, they dismissed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the very first over itself, which gave them tremendous confidence. However, what happened next was something truly unbelievable. We saw a brand of cricket that was never witnessed before as MS Dhoni came all gun's blazing from very beginning. 

MS played one of the most destructive knocks in the history of one-day cricket as he scored an unbeaten 183 off just 145 deliveries. His innings comprised 15 boundaries and 10 massive sixes. The power with which he was smashing the ball was truly incredible. He literally made a mess of the lethal Sri Lankan bowling lineup. Due to his incredible knock, we chased down 299 in just 46.1 overs with 6 wickets in hand. It was Mahi Mayhem in Jaipur. 

To be honest, if there would have been more runs on the board, MS would have definitely got his double hundred. However, one thing was sure: the Indians have unearthed a superstar. Two decades later, that Young Superstar got inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame. Not bad for a Long-Haired wicketkeeper batsman from Ranchi. 

 

To watch the Highlights of that Match, Click Here. 

THE FIGHTBACK

                       

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Trent Bridge, Nottingham [August 8-12, 2002].

In the summer of 2002, the Indian cricket team toured England to play a triangular ODI series with England and Sri Lanka. After this, they played a 4-match test series against the hosts, England. Hence, it was a big tour that started in the month of June and ended in the second week of September. Indians, however, were successful in winning the triangular series in the most dramatic of manners. Nonetheless, the English made a strong comeback in the test series as they hammered us with a margin of 170 runs in the first test.

The action for the second test shifted to Trent Bridge, wherein we were on a back foot because of what happened to us in London. In a do-or-die game, Indian Captain Sourav Ganguly won the toss and elected to bat first. Riding on Sehwag's gritty 108, we ended up scoring 357 in our first innings. Apart from Sehwag, Captain Ganguly (68) and Harbhajan Singh (54) made valuable contributions with the bat as English bowlers chipped wickets at regular intervals. 

In response, the English posted a massive 617 in their first innings. The same was possible because of the heroics of Michael Vaughan, who missed a well-deserved double century. Vaughan scored a gritty 197 of 258 deliveries. Furthermore, every English batsman contributed with the bat as the visitors struggled to take wickets. 

It was now almost certain that we cannot win this test. The question that arose now was, can we save this match? Unfortunately, we lost both our openers cheaply as the Indians were reduced to 11/2. The match was on a knife-edge when Sachin Tendulkar joined Rahul Dravid in between. The duo stitched a partnership of 163 runs and brought the visitors back into the game. This was then followed by another 135-run stand between Dravid and Ganguly as we took a crucial lead in the second innings. Amidst such a pressure situation, Rahul Dravid scored a well-composed 115 as we saved the test match. Apart from Dravid, Tendulkar (92) and Ganguly (99) too contributed in this pressure situation. It was quite unlucky on their part that they missed their centuries. However, the fightback of Team India won everyone's heart. The Indians eventually declared a score of 424/8 as the match ended in a draw. 

To watch the knock of Sehwag, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Rahul Dravid, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Sachin Tendulkar, Click Here. 

THE HEROICS OF JASON GILLESPIE

 

Image Credit- Times of India.

Venue- Chittagong Divisional Stadium, Chittagong, Bangladesh [April 16-20, 2006].

Whenever we hear the name Jason Gillespie, the first thing that comes to mind is a tall, long-haired fast bowler always eyeing wickets and threatening the opposition. However, this post is not about his bowling heroics but about his exceptional batting performance. In the summer of 2006, the Australian cricket team toured Bangladesh to play 2 tests and 3 ODIs. The Visitors won the first test by the barest of margins as the Bangla Tigers gave them a very strong fight. As a result, when both teams reached Chittagong for the final test, no one was expecting it to be an easy game.

In a must-win game, the Bangladeshi captain won the toss and elected to bat first. Unfortunately, they could not get the best out of the conditions, as they were bowled out for just 197 in their first innings. In response, the Aussies declared at a mammoth score of 581/4. However, what is interesting in it is their highest run-getter in that inning. It's not their Captain Ponting or Hayden or Hussey. But it was their night watchman, Jason Gillespie, who scored the highest among all of them. Dizzy was at his ultimate best in Chittagong as he scored an unbeaten 201 of 425 deliveries. Furthermore, his innings comprised 26 boundaries and 6 sixes. The man who came in as a night watchman ended up being invincible. Apart from him, Mike Hussey scored a quickfire 182 as the Aussies took the game under control.

It was almost certain that the match was nearly over for the hosts. However, they did give a fightback in the second innings but failed to save the test. The Bangladeshis in their second innings were bowled out for 304 runs as the Aussies won the game by an innings and 80 runs. For his all-around performance, Jason Gillespie was awarded the man of the match award. Unfortunately, it turned out to be his last test in Baggy Green. 

To watch the highlights of that innings, Click Here.

THE CHASE MASTER

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai [February 23, 2025].

The India-Pakistan rivalry is the biggest rivalry in world cricket. The stakes get even bigger when they meet in an ICC event. 23rd February, 2025, added one more chapter to the great battle between the two nations of the Radcliffe Line. The Indians won their first game against Bangladesh, whereas the Pakistanis were hammered in their backyard by the Kiwis. As a result, a win for India would have meant a semi-final berth, whereas for the Pakistanis, a defeat would have implied a knockout from the tournament. Amidst such a tense situation, Pakistani Captain Mohammad Rizwan won the toss and decided to bat first. 

The openers gave Men in Green a decent start. However, 2 quick wickets in between pushed them to the back foot. Furthermore, the Pakistanis were under extreme pressure because of tight fielding and disciplined bowling. It is interesting to note that the Pakistani batters at one stage became so defensive that it appeared that they were saving a test match and not setting a target. Apart from that, the Indians kept on picking wickets at regular intervals, due to which the hosts struggled to accelerate. Eventually they were bowled out for 241 runs in 49.4 overs. Saud Shakeel was their leading run scorer, who scored 62 of 76 deliveries. Except for him, no other Pakistani batsman managed to cross the 50-run mark. For Indians, Kuldeep Yadav was the leading wicket taker as he picked up 3 important wickets. 

In response, the Indians got off to a flyer before Shaheen Afridi dismissed Captain Rohit Sharma for 20. The Indian scorecard read 31/1 when Virat Kohli joined Shubhman Gill in between. The duo stitched a partnership of 69 runs before Abrar got the better of Gill. However, Abrar's celebration post Gill's dismissal added spice to the contest. The match was on a knife-edge when Iyer joined Kohli in between. However, that day Kohli looked unstoppable. The elegance with which he was playing was simply a delight to watch. In an unbeaten innings that lasted for 151 minutes, Kohli scored 100* off 111 balls. His innings comprised 7 boundaries. The cover drives were simply wow. However, it is interesting to note that despite having so many shots under his belt, Kohli constantly rotated strike and kept the scoreboard ticking with ones and twos. Kohli was truly at his ultimate best. 

The match was won with 45 balls remaining and 6 wickets in hand. With this win, Indians made their way into yet another ICC Semi-Final, whereas the Pakistanis were knocked out of the Champions Trophy. Virat Kohli was awarded the Man of the Match award for his excellent hundred as the legend of Chase master continued. Lastly, the ghosts of 2017 were well and truly buried now. 

KING KOHLI SPECIAL

 

Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- Centurion Park, Centurion [January 13-17, 2018].

South Africa is one of the hardest places to play test cricket. The swing, the pace, and the uneven bounce makes it tough for any batsman to score runs. Furthermore, the pace attack of the Proteas makes it even tougher to survive. As a result, if one scores a ton in South Africa it is remembered for long. In this blog post I will be talking about one such test ton.

In the summer of 2018, the Indian cricket team toured South Africa to play 3 Tests, 6 ODIs, and 3 T20 Internationals. The hosts won the first test at Cape Town, and the action now reached Centurion. In a must-win game, South African captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and elected to bat first. Riding on the half-centuries of Markram, Amla, and du Plessis, the hosts ended up scoring 335 in their first innings. 

In response, the Indian batting line-up struggled in front of the Proteas' pace attack. It appeared they would be bundled in no time. However, this is when Kohli led from the front and countered the pace attack with his flair and class. In one of the toughest situations, he scored a magnificent 153 and brought his team back into the game. Kohli was literally at his absolute best that day. The shots he played were a treat to our eyes. It was simply superb. The timing, the placement, everything in it was incredible. Due to Kohli's heroics, Indians ended up scoring 307 in their first innings. Just 28 runs for the Proteas total. The game was truly on a knife-edge. 

However, this is when the Proteas came back harder. The legendary ABD scored a gritty half-century (80) as the Proteas scored a fighting total of 258 in their second innings. Apart from De Villiers, Dean Elgar and Captain Faf Du Plessis also made valuable contributions, as Indians now needed 287 runs to win the test and level the series. 

Unfortunately, the Indians failed miserably in the second innings as we lost both the test and the series. However, despite the setback, this knock of Kohli will be remembered for ages.  It was truly a masterclass. It is further interesting to note that in the entire series, there was only one batsman who scored a century, and he was none other than Virat Kohli. 

To watch the knock of Virat Kohli, Click Here. 

HOW THE MIGHTY HAVE FALLEN

 Image Credit- ESPN CricInfo.

Venue- The Gabba, Brisbane [December 14-18, 2024].

In the Australian summer of 2024-25, the Indian cricket team toured Australia to play 5 test matches. The Visitors won the first test in Perth, whereas the Hosts won the second test at Adelaide. With the series poised at 1-1, both teams reached Brisbane for an important test match. Seeing the clouds all around, Indian Captain Rohit Sharma, after winning the toss, decided to field first. Interestingly, India got a wonderful start as they reduced Australians to 75/3. Bumrah was truly in the form of his life as he picked up both the openers, with Nitish picking up the wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. It seemed that India would tighten up the screws now. However, this is when Steve Smith and Travis Head came into action. The duo took the sting out of the Indian bowling as they piled runs after runs. Steve Smith scored a gritty 101 off 190 balls, whereas Travis Head scored a quickfire 152 off 160 deliveries as the Aussies ended up scoring 445 in their first innings. For Indians, it was Jasprit Bumrah who was the leading wicket taker as he picked up 6 crucial wickets. 

In response, the Indians were reeling at 74/5 when Jadeja joined KL Rahul in between. The duo batted sensibly and tried their best to avoid the follow-on. However, the Aussies continued picking up wickets at regular intervals. Jadeja, on his end, tried his best, but eventually Cummins got the better of him, as when Jadeja was dismissed, the Indian scorecard read 213/9. Still 33 runs short of the follow-on total. The last batsman, Akash Deep, joined Bumrah in between as the Aussies were gearing up. It appeared that a follow-on was surely in the cards, as the Aussie bowlers were in red-hot form. However, what happened next was something truly unbelievable. Both Bumrah and Akash Deep stood in between like a rock and avoided the follow-on in the most dramatic of manners. Furthermore, after avoiding the follow-on, Akash Deep hit a massive six, which brought joy to every fan's face. At last, it was Travis Head who got the better of Akash Deep as the Indians ended up scoring 260 in their first innings.

Due to continuous rains in between, it was almost certain that the match would end in a draw. Though there were moments when we felt that we could get a result, the rain made sure that the match ended in a draw. However, the question that might come into everyone's mind is this: When the match ended in a draw, why am I saying that the mighty have fallen? The reason being when the follow-on was avoided, there was a loud cheer in the Indian dugout. The players and the support staff literally went into a celebration mode as if we had won the test. Something that is not expected of a champion team. From winning in Gabba to celebrating that we avoided a follow-on. Truly the mighty have fallen from the crown.

To watch the knock of Steve Smith, Click Here.

To watch the knock of Travis Head, Click Here.

To watch the spell of Jasprit Bumrah, Click Here.