\u201cThe way Virat captained in the Test format, he deserves credit for the way we transformed as a team,\u201d Bhuvneshwar said. \u201cI think the reason for that is Virat\u2019s nature on the ground. He is aggressive, we all know that, and in Test cricket, you need that nature somewhere, because Test cricket is a format that lasts for five days. It was the hunger in Virat that said, \u2018We have to do something, we don't have to just go through the motions, we have to create chances. \u2019 I think Virat\u2019s passion rubbed off on everyone,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Indeed, Kohli\u2019s Test journey is the stuff of cricketing legend. From a brash, aggressive youngster who made his debut in 2011 to becoming the most dominant and inspiring Indian Test captain in history, Kohli\u2019s story was one of grit, evolution, and sustained excellence.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 36-year-old retires with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, 30 centuries, and a record that goes far beyond just numbers. He captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 \u2014 a win percentage of 58.82%, the highest by any Indian skipper. His crowning glory came in 2018-19 when India scripted history with their first-ever Test series win in Australia, ending a 71-year-long drought.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Former BCCI acting president C.K. Khanna echoed the sentiment, calling Kohli\u2019s retirement the end of a golden legacy. \u201cHis passion, discipline, and aggressive leadership redefined the team\u2019s mindset, especially in challenging overseas conditions. Under his captaincy, India achieved historic victories and earned global admiration.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe was more than a prolific run-scorer,\u201d Khanna added. \u201cHe became a symbol of intensity, fitness, and belief for millions.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That belief and intensity were also beautifully acknowledged by Ishant Sharma, Kohli\u2019s longtime teammate and fellow warrior in many memorable Test battles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYour journey will inspire countless players on how to play this game the right way \u2014 with heart, hunger, and honour. Test cricket won\u2019t be the same without you, Virat,\u201d Ishant posted on X, formerly Twitter. \u201cGrateful to have shared so many moments.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019 remains the highest individual score by an Indian captain. Kohli also holds the Indian record for most double centuries in Tests (7), the most hundreds as Test captain (20), and the most runs by an Indian Test captain (5864 at an average of 54.80). He also has the highest ICC Test rating points for an Indian batter \u2014 a staggering 937 in 2018.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
From 2015 to 2017, Kohli led India to nine consecutive Test series wins, matching Ricky Ponting\u2019s world record. He even took India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, and under his leadership, India held the No.1 spot in ICC Test rankings for five straight years.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
His unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019 remains the highest individual score by an Indian captain. Kohli also holds the Indian record for most double centuries in Tests (7), the most hundreds as Test captain (20), and the most runs by an Indian Test captain (5864 at an average of 54.80). He also has the highest ICC Test rating points for an Indian batter \u2014 a staggering 937 in 2018.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> LIVE Cricket Score<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n