'Still marks five levels under Test cricket' - Virat Kohli compares IPL win with RCB to red-ball achievements
Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025, ending his 14-year long career.
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After an 18-year-long wait, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally lifted their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in the final at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. For RCB fans and star player Virat Kohli, the victory meant more than just a win. Kohli, who is the only player to play for the same franchise since the beginning, couldn’t hold back his tears after the victory moment.
However, after the game, he opened up about the importance of Test cricket and urged youngsters to treat the format with immense respect. Notably, the veteran batter recently retired from the longest format of the game and placed the IPL achievement much lower than the prominence Test cricket holds in his cricketing journey.
"You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, well done, you played the game really well. So if you want to earn respect in World cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it," Kohli told the broadcasters following the historic triumph for RCB.
Virat Kohli shares heartfelt post after IPL 2025 title win
Just weeks before this historic IPL win, the 36-year-old had announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, ending an illustrious 14-year career in red-ball cricket. With 123 Tests under his belt, including 68 as captain, and over 9200 runs to his name, Kohli became the biggest promoter of the format through his passion and consistent performances. Notably, his retirement announcement came just before India's blockbuster five-match series against England, starting June 20.
Kohli, who will play only One-Day Internationals for India now, is expected to be next in action in August for the three-match series against Bangladesh.
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