AI rates Virat Kohli’s overall Test career on technique, consistency, and captaincy
Virat Kohli took to Instagram on Monday, May 12, to announce his retirement from Test cricket.
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India stalwart Virat Kohli calls time on his Test career
Virat Kohli took to his official Instagram social media handle on Monday, May 12, to announce his retirement from Test cricket. His decision comes just over a month before the start of India's five-match Test tour of England. Kohli called time on his Test career after playing 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85.
During this incredible cricketing journey, the Delhi-based batter notched up 30 centuries and 31 fifties in the longest format. He also registered seven double centuries, including a highest score of 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019.
Virat Kohli's legacy as India's Test captain
Kohli's Test career is regarded as one of the most illustrious in the history of the game. When he took over as the Test captain, he revolutionised India's approach to red-ball cricket, particularly in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) conditions. Under his leadership, India won a Test series on Australian soil for the first time. Kohli promoted aggressive batting, athletic fielding, and a never-say-die attitude. He also instilled confidence in India's fast bowlers, empowering them to believe they could bowl out the opposition twice in overseas conditions.
Virat Kohli also led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021. No other Indian captain has secured more Test wins than the 36-year-old. Under his leadership, India won 40 out of 68 matches. His batting prowess was further magnified in his captaincy stint; while his average as a specialist batter stood at 37.40, it soared to an incredible 54.80 when he led the side.
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Kohli's illustrious Test career
The Delhi batter concluded his Test journey as India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format, trailing only legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. During his captaincy days, Kohli built a formidable partnership with head coach Ravi Shastri, delivering historic results for India. His impact transcended mere statistics, as he redefined aggression and competitiveness in Indian cricket.
Although Kohli's form had dipped in recent years, leading to his average falling below 50, it does not take away from his legacy. His contributions to Indian Test cricket remain unparalleled, solidifying his place as one of the greatest to have played the game.
Final verdict
Rating on various cricketing parameters:
| Category | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Batting Technique | 8.5 |
| Consistency | 8.5 |
| Performance Overseas | 9 |
| Captaincy Impact | 9.5 |
| Legacy & Influence | 10 |
Final career rating - (9/10)
Virat Kohli’s Test career journey is marked by magnanimous batting, leading from the front with a fearless attitude and breeding a new tough playing culture in Indian cricket, along with challenging the toughest opponents right in their backyard.
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