he might play a little longer, maybe even feature in the England series, but these are personal decisions, and he must have felt this was the right time. I wish him all the very best,\" Madan Lal told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"As for the youngsters who might fill his shoes, I believe that spot has to be earned. It\u2019s not an easy task by any means.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli, 36, brought curtains down on a glittering red-ball career that transformed India\u2019s approach to Test cricket. In 123 matches, he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. But beyond the numbers, it was his aggression, passion, and tireless pursuit of excellence that set him apart.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He announced his decision via an emotional Instagram post, calling his 14-year journey with whites \u201cdeeply personal.\u201d \u201cThe quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever,\u201d Kohli wrote. \u201cAs I step away, it\u2019s not easy \u2014 but it feels right.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The timing of his retirement came as a surprise, especially after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket last week. Kohli\u2019s recent form had been under the scanner \u2014 he scored only 190 runs in nine innings during the Australia tour in December 2024, averaging 23.75 despite a century in the opening Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Kohli, India\u2019s 269th Test cap, leaves behind not just a set of records but an era \u2014 one defined by belief, ambition, and an uncompromising commitment to the longest format.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The timing of his retirement came as a surprise, especially after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket last week. Kohli\u2019s recent form had been under the scanner \u2014 he scored only 190 runs in nine innings during the Australia tour in December 2024, averaging 23.75 despite a century in the opening Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n