We will never see a player like Virat Kohli, God has broken that diary: Aakash Chopra

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12 via an Instagram post, ending his 14-year-long career. With 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 Tests, he went out as India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra gave a heartfelt tribute to the 36-year-old, calling him a once-in-a-generation player and stating that there will be no one like him again. Kohli’s decision to step away from red-ball cricket came ahead of India's five-Test tour of England. Notably, the batter had informed the BCCI of his plans well in advance, ending a career that began in the West Indies in 2011.

Reacting to the same, Chopra mentioned that Kohli attracted crowds to watch Test cricket and now with him stepping down, the new generation might not watch the game with the same interest. 

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“We will never see a player like Virat Kohli, as God has broken that diary. You can’t have a player now who can dominate across formats like him. We will see more players retiring from Test cricket to extend their careers in another format," Chopra said on Star Sports.

Let’s accept the fact that T20 cricket is on the rise and the number of matches has already increased. It will continue to grow in the future. New generation doesn’t want to watch Test cricket. Virat Kohli was the last of the generation who showed intensity in every format. Look it is not easy to play Test cricket as it requires your presence and attention for five days,” he added.

As captain, the Delhi-born won 40 out of 68 Tests, guiding India to the top of the ICC Test rankings and into the World Test Championship final. The former opener also pointed out that the Test retirement would hurt him more than exiting from T20Is. 

"You can’t ask a warrior to become a teacher, as his job is to fight. This is what will happen in Virat Kohli’s case, as he will have to become a teacher, considering there will be no ODI cricket for months. Test cricket retirement will hit him harder than his retirement from T20I. He was born to play cricket, and he will miss the ball meeting the middle of his bat. I know family is important and you must spend time with your family members, but Virat will miss Test cricket,” he added.