Former England captain Michael Atherton paid a glowing tribute to Virat Kohli just days after the Indian great announced his retirement from Test cricket. Reflecting on Kohli’s illustrious red-ball career, Atherton said he cherished every moment of watching Kohli’s 123 Tests and lauded the unmatched energy and passion he brought to the longest format.
Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. But beyond numbers, it was his charisma and fierce competitiveness that left an indelible mark on the sport. As captain, he led India to 40 wins in 68 matches, making him the most successful Test skipper in Indian history.
“I loved watching him play every single day of his 123 Tests. You simply couldn’t take your eyes off him. He put his heart and soul into every innings, and that intensity never faded,” Michael Atherton said on Sky Sports Cricket.
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He also spoke about the daunting task facing Kohli’s successor at No. 4, emphasising the void left behind by someone who elevated the rigours of Test cricket with sheer determination and pride.
“Kohli’s aura, passion and swagger transformed Indian cricket” 🙌
Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton react to the news of Virat Kohli’s retirement on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/DnSejGWsBJ
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) May 14, 2025
Nasser Hussain, Atherton’s former England teammate, echoed similar sentiments. “I’ve been a massive fan of Kohli for 14 years. But he’s more than the stats — it’s his aura, the swagger, and how he lived every moment on the field. No one symbolized Indian cricket quite like him,” said Hussain.
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Under Kohli’s leadership, India rose to become the top-ranked Test side and remained at the summit for over three years. His fierce desire to win made him one of the most dominant players, particularly in run chases.
India will now begin a new era as they prepare for a five-Test series in England starting June 20 — marking the beginning of the new World Test Championship cycle.
