Virat Kohli: The Indian cricket team’s upcoming Test tour of England, beginning June 20 at Headingley in Leeds, carries weight well beyond cricketing strategy. In 2021-22, India had twice let the advantage slip as England clawed back to draw the five-match series 2–2. Now, with the unexpected retirement of both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team finds itself pushed against the wall even before a ball is bowled.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to announce a new captain, but whoever takes charge will face a monumental task. The absence of Kohli and Rohit strips the team of a combined 190 Tests of experience — 127 from Kohli and 67 from Rohit. More than just numbers, the duo formed a formidable core that steered India to historic victories and defined its modern cricketing ethos.
Sudden departure
When Virat Kohli shocked the cricket world on May 12, he was 36 years and 188 days old. Despite his age, Kohli remains exceptionally fit, and many believe he had a few more years of elite cricket left in him. His recent vulnerabilities—particularly repeated dismissals outside the off stump during the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia—did little to dampen public expectations. After all, over a 14-year Test career, Kohli had achieved more than enough to be mentioned among the greats.
Also read: Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
Just six days earlier, on May 7, Rohit Sharma had also announced his retirement from the longest format. The twin exits have left Indian cricket reeling. A new opener in place of Rohit and a new No.4 in place of Virat are huge boots to fill. Replacing them will not be easy. Together, they amassed 13,531 runs in Test cricket, but their legacy goes beyond the cold statistics —they brought grit, resilience, and leadership to the Indian team.
A retirement that puzzled many
Kohli’s decision left fans stunned, especially since he has been in dazzling form in the ongoing IPL. Adding to the confusion, former India spinner Sarandeep Singh made a surprising revelation on STAR Sports. He recalled a recent conversation with Kohli, during which the batter confirmed he would not play against English county teams but planned to turn out for India ‘A’ in two matches before the Test series.
“So, it was already settled that he would play for India ‘A’. But his announcement was shocking,” said Singh, who was senior Delhi coach last season. The India ‘A’ squad is expected to tour England alongside the senior team, acting as a feeder pool if reinforcements are needed.
The abruptness of the decision has raised questions. Did something unforeseen occur in the days leading up to the announcement? Sarandeep’s account suggests Kohli had every intention of featuring in the series.
Speculation and silence
At the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA), some insiders speculated that India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s recent remarks may have played a role. Though Kohli and Gambhir have had a strained relationship, the two had reportedly reconciled since Gambhir took over as coach. Still, murmurs persist that the reconciliation may have been superficial.
Despite the BCCI’s efforts to convince him otherwise, Kohli made it official with an Instagram post on the morning of May 12. “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,” he wrote. The message ended poignantly, with Kohli signing off by referencing his India Test cap number: “#296 signing off.”
Praise from his mentors
Former India pacer Atul Wassan, who played a key role in Kohli’s early development at the West Delhi Cricket Academy, wasn’t surprised by the announcement. He believes the timing is ideal.
“Virat was always special the way he used to play. He had that X factor. He had such talent and such conviction… he was fearless,” Wassan told Patriot.
Kohli’s final first-class game came after the tour of Australia, where he scored a century in the opening Test in Perth but struggled thereafter, often edging to the slip or gully. In January, he played a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against Railways at the Kotla. He was bowled for six off 15 balls by pacer Himanshu Sangwan.
That match marked the end of Kohli’s first-class career. Sangwan, who bowled him out, was taken aback by the news.
“It was a proud moment to just play with him—and then I got his wicket as a bonus. As his fan, it had become a habit to watch him play,” Sangwan told Patriot.
He added, “I am now wondering how I will continue with cricket, as I have grown watching him play since my childhood. Cricket will go ahead, but as a fan, I am disappointed and wanted him to play for another 50 years. I couldn’t send him a message as I don’t have his number, but I have changed my status on Instagram with his photo. He is a legend of Indian cricket.”
Missed opportunity in England
By retiring now, Kohli has passed up a crucial opportunity to rewrite his Test record in England—long considered a litmus test for batters due to the swinging and seaming conditions.
His first tour in 2014 was disappointing, yielding just 134 runs in five Tests. But he redeemed himself in 2018, piling up 593 runs, including two centuries and three fifties. Still, India lost the series 4–1.
On his third and final visit, Kohli managed 249 runs in five Tests, with just two half-centuries. Overall, he scored 1,096 runs in 17 Tests in England at an average of 33.21, with two centuries and five fifties.
The upcoming series would have been a chance for him to silence critics and end his Test career on a commanding note. Instead, that door is now closed.
Also read: Nothing to decide now, will take a call later: Dhoni on IPL future
The legacy remains
Regardless of his mixed performances in England and recent dip in Australia, Kohli’s stature in world cricket is undeniable. His Test record—9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries—speaks volumes. In One-day Internationals, Kohli has 14,181 runs at an astounding average of 57.88, including 51 centuries. He has already retired from T20 Internationals. His captaincy record of 58.82% success in 68 Tests and 68.42% success in 95 ODIs is also fabulous.
Kohli remains 18 centuries short of Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international tons. The big question now is: can he reach the landmark through One-day Internationals alone?
Former Australia captain Greg Chappell summed up Kohli’s significance with stirring words. Writing for cricinfo.com, he described Kohli’s era as “a reign forged in grit, fire, and audacity”, adding that he may have even surpassed Tendulkar in cultural and psychological impact.
“And thank you, Virat,” Chappell wrote, “for making us believe that domination and dignity could walk together.”
