269 Not Out: The ‘King’ Bids Farewell to Test Cricket with Stellar Numbers

Hyderabad: A new chapter begins for Indian cricket as Virat Kohli steps back from Test cricket, following in the footsteps of former captain Rohit Sharma. Kohli burst onto the scene in 2011 with his bold attitude and striking tattoos. Over the years, he has built a legacy that will surely leave a void in the cricketing world.

At 36, Kohli has matured significantly. Early on, he faced criticism for his aggressive style, but he’s now known for his composure and skill.

For many fans, legends like Sunil Gavaskar and Sachin Tendulkar set the standard, but Kohli quickly became an icon in his own right. His performances reshaped Indian cricket.

Kohli’s Impressive Test Records

Kohli holds remarkable records in Test cricket. He achieved the highest score for an Indian captain, hitting 254* against South Africa in 2019. Remarkably, he is the only player to score a double-century in four consecutive Test series. He also holds the record for the most double hundreds (7) as a Test captain.

A Look at Kohli’s Journey

Kohli’s career began slowly; in his first year, he played just five Tests but showed promise with two half-centuries. From there, he consistently racked up runs. Up to 2019, his batting average never dipped below 40. However, 2020 brought challenges, leading to heavy criticism. Nevertheless, he rebounded in 2023, scoring at an impressive average of 55.91.

Dominance Against Opposition

Kohli excelled against South Africa and Sri Lanka. During his first tour to South Africa in 2013, he delivered standout performances with scores of 119 and 96 at the Wanderers. He faced legends like Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel, showcasing his adaptability on challenging pitches.

Leadership in Test Cricket

Beyond his individual successes, Kohli transformed Indian Test cricket with his leadership. He introduced an aggressive approach that revolutionized the team’s mindset, especially in overseas conditions. Kohli was the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia. In the 2021 series against England, India was leading when the final match was postponed due to Covid-19, eventually ending in a draw.

Overall, Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, securing 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws—the highest win percentage among Indian Test captains.

Virat Kohli’s retirement marks an end of an era, leaving fans and future players inspired by his impressive journey. As cricket evolves, his legacy will always be a part of India’s rich history. For more insights on Virat Kohli’s impact, you can view detailed statistics and analyses from sources like ESPN Cricinfo.

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