Virat Kohli, arguably regarded as Indian’s best cricket player, has announced his retirement.
The announcement’s timing comes ahead of India’s Test series against England.
It is the second blow for India as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement last week.
Virat Kohli: Cricketing Legend Announces Shock Retirement
This morning, the cricketing world was shocked to hear that one of the greats of the modern-day game is retiring. Writing on Instagram, Virat Kohli said, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket.”
“Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. 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,”
Virat Kohli went on to say, “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.
“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
The former test captain finishes his career with 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 games. Kohli is also the most successful captain India has had, leading them to 40 wins in 68 games under his leadership.
However, despite this, the cricketing legend has had a lean run of form since 2020, scoring only three centuries in 39 games. The cricketing audience took to social media to congratulate the former captain on his glittering career, including praise from Sachin Tendulkar.
India Suffers Double Blow Ahead of England Series
With India set to face England this summer in what is promised to be a blockbuster series, India is without two of its main talismen. Just last week, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the longer format of the game. Furthermore, Virat Kohli’s retirement marks a new generation of Indian cricketers coming through the ranks.
Despite this, India will need to regroup quickly and build a side capable of testing England. The Three Lions face Zimbabwe before facing India later in the summer. England fans will be relieved to see Virat Kohli retire as the Indian enjoys playing against them, but English fans will be disappointed to see a modern-day great walk away from the game.
On the other hand, the BBCI has not yet announced its captain for the test side. Indian media reports that Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant are the early front-runners.
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