Did Kohli Always Promote Playing Tests Over Everything?
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Synopsis
Discover the impact of Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket through the eyes of former cricketer Sarandeep Singh, as he reflects on Kohli's legacy, influence, and the future of Test cricket in India. What does this mean for the game and its fans? Read on to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli retired after a remarkable 14-year Test career.
- He amassed 9230 runs and led India in 68 matches.
- Kohli was known for promoting Test cricket passionately.
- His retirement follows Rohit Sharma's announcement.
- Experts believe Kohli’s absence will impact the future of Test cricket.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer and national selector Sarandeep Singh regards Virat Kohli as an icon and one of the finest Test cricketers in history. On Monday morning, Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year journey in which he amassed 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85.
"Virat is truly an icon. He is among the greatest players to have participated in Test cricket. His passion for playing and winning Test matches was evident. He consistently championed the cause of Test cricket above all else. To me, Virat Kohli serves as the brand ambassador for world cricket, significantly promoting Test cricket among both players and fans," stated Sarandeep during an exclusive interview with IANS.
"He always encouraged youngsters to embrace Test cricket and strive to be recognized as Test cricketers rather than merely white-ball players. His style of play in Test cricket will be dearly missed by the entire cricketing community. He executed his captaincy of the Test team exceptionally well," Sarandeep added.
In addition to being India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, Kohli captained the team in 68 matches, leading India to 40 victories, including a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy series win in Australia in 2018-19, making him the nation’s most successful Test captain.
Kohli’s announcement to retire from Tests follows closely behind Rohit Sharma's retirement, leaving a significant gap in India’s batting lineup ahead of their five-match Test series against England.
Sarandeep, who was head coach in Delhi when Kohli played a Ranji Trophy match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium earlier this year, expressed surprise at the batter’s decision to step away from Test cricket, emphasizing the team’s current transition phase still requires Kohli’s presence.
"This news caught me off guard, as I believe he could continue playing for another 2-3 years. This development is particularly concerning because Test cricket urgently needs Virat Kohli. With his departure, viewer interest may decline," Sarandeep remarked.
"When Virat was on the field, fans would eagerly anticipate his performance. While every cricketer eventually retires, I feel this decision came too soon, given his fitness and performance level. The Indian team will greatly miss him in Tests for the next few years," he concluded.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the profound impact of Virat Kohli's retirement on the landscape of Indian cricket. His contributions to Test cricket have been monumental, and his departure marks a significant transition for the team. We must honor his legacy while also focusing on the path forward for the next generation of cricketers.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket?
Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket was influenced by a combination of personal and professional considerations, as he felt it was time to step back from the longest format.
How many matches did Kohli play in his Test career?
Kohli played a total of 123 Test matches during his illustrious career.
What record did Kohli achieve as a Test captain?
Under Kohli's captaincy, India won 40 Test matches, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history.
What is Sarandeep Singh's opinion on Kohli's retirement?
Sarandeep Singh expressed surprise at Kohli's retirement, believing he could still contribute to Test cricket for another 2-3 years.
What will be the impact of Kohli's retirement on Test cricket?
Kohli's retirement is expected to create a vacuum in Test cricket, potentially affecting viewership and the competitive spirit of the game.
