In the wake of Virat Kohli’s emotional decision to retire from Test cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has come forward with heartfelt tributes, celebrating the monumental contributions of a player who has been widely regarded as the face of modern Indian Test cricket. BCCI President Roger Binny and Secretary Devajit Saikia praised Kohli not just for his on-field brilliance but also for his unwavering commitment to preserving the sanctity of the red-ball format in a fast-changing cricketing landscape.
Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, ending a glorious 14-year career in whites. His decision, though sudden, came from a place of reflection and contentment. By stepping away, he became the first among the modern-day Fab Four—Joe Root, Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Kohli himself—to bid farewell to Test cricket, a format he always cherished the most.
Throughout 123 Test matches, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score—an unbeaten 254—showcased his ability to dominate the longest format. Although a lean patch in the later stages of his career saw his average dip below 50, it doesn’t diminish the aura he carried every time he stepped onto the field in whites.
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The BCCI, in its official statement, credited Kohli for rekindling the nation’s passion for Test cricket during a time when white-ball formats were gaining dominance. “Virat’s departure from the longest format brings to a close a chapter that not only elevated Indian Cricket on the global stage but also rekindled public passion for Test cricket,” it said. “He placed the purest form of the game back on a pedestal. His deep respect for the format was evident not only in his words but in the fierce pride with which he wore India’s whites.”
Roger Binny echoed this sentiment, calling Kohli’s leadership era transformative. “What set Virat apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format. He inspired India to be aggressive, fearless, and hungry for overseas success. His legacy as a captain who believed India could win anywhere will live on.”
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia, too, was effusive in his praise. He highlighted how Kohli’s relentless pursuit of fitness and discipline became a benchmark for the younger generation.
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“Test cricket found not just an ambassador but a true guardian in Virat Kohli. His influence extended beyond his centuries. He shaped a culture built on hard work, mental resilience, and unshakeable self-belief. His overseas performances, often under difficult conditions, are now part of cricketing folklore.”
As India turns the page on the Kohli era in Tests, the impact he has left behind—on the field, in the dressing room, and in the hearts of millions—will continue to inspire generations of cricketers to come.
