Virat Kohli, arguably the greatest cricketer of his generation, has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. His loss leaves an enormous hole in the sport. In Kohli’s case, it’s his unconventional methods and obsessive approach to perfection. Just as he’s done throughout his illustrious career, he’s upended expectations and challenged conventions. His departure is perhaps the end of an era, representing the confident, rambunctious and sometimes raunchy India of the 21st century.
Kohli became the captain of the Indian Test cricket team in 2014 and led them until 2022. In his tenure, the squad reached an amazing 40 wins in just 68 games. This accomplishment makes him the most successful Test skipper that this country has ever produced. It’s a testament not only to his unprecedented ability to lead but his unique ability to motivate his fellow competitors. Ever since taking charge in 2017, under his captaincy, India transformed into a ruthless unit that could beat any team, on almost any surface, anywhere in the world.
A Cultural Icon
Culturally, Kohli’s impact has been massive, both in India and for the Indian diaspora around the world. With 271 million followers on Instagram and 67.8 million on X, he is the ultimate social media phenomenon. His influence goes far beyond sports, as he is one of the most recognizable faces, not just in India, but all over the world. Kohli’s influence has even contributed to cricket’s return to the Olympics, with the sport set to feature at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
As a sign of his roots in popular culture, Kohli’s marriage to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma helped his popularity rise considerably. Together, they embody a new type of Indian celebrity couple, crossing the worlds of athletics and showbusiness with ease.
“Perhaps Kohli even eclipses him (Tendulkar) in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India’s cricketing identity,” – Greg Chappell
On-Field Brilliance
During his long 123-Test career, Kohli stacked in an amazing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. Batting with a steady, silken grace, he punctuated every milestone with electric excitement. His exuberant and passionate celebrations of wickets became the stuff of legend, bringing delight to fans and shaking nerves into opposition players. With a single glare or gesture, Kohli can leave his competitors quelled and the crowds hushed. This displays the expertise, as an artist and as a mental gladiator on the field, of a batsman of supreme genius.
Kohli’s influence extended beyond his batting statistics. He revolutionized the fitness culture within the Indian dressing room, instilling a sense of discipline and professionalism among his teammates. His indomitable work ethic and standards of perfection revolutionized the way an entire nation thought about fitness. In doing so, he carved standards for the next generation of cricketers to match.
“He was the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we’ve ever seen – a snarling warrior in whites, never giving an inch, always demanding more,” – Greg Chappell
A New Era for Indian Cricket
Kohli’s leadership fundamentally changed India’s Test cricket landscape. First, he developed a dangerous pace attack that made India a force to be reckoned with anywhere in the world. No longer is it the case that India had to depend just on their spinners and home advantage. Under Kohli, the team grew into a complete unit, capable of winning games in all conditions, on all surfaces.
Neither did his approach, which included creating a hotbed for cut-throat ruthlessness within the team. They transformed into an unstoppable coalition, pursuing triumph at all costs. Kohli’s legacy will be much more than his runs and records. As much as he’s been good for the Indian Test team specifically, he has set a higher benchmark for Indian cricket overall.
“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites,” – Virat Kohli
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