Indian legend Virat Kohli has shared his views on his Test career for the first time since announcing his retirement from the longer format of the game, calling it “five levels” above other formats amid Indian Premier League (IPL) glory. Notably, RCB won the IPL after 18 years as well.

“This moment (the IPL win) is right up there with the best moments I’ve had in my career, but it’s still marks five levels under Test cricket. “That’s how much I value Test cricket. That’s how much I love Test cricket.”

On top of his 9230 runs at 46.85 in a Test career, Virat Kohli also featured in two World Test Championship Finals across the first two cycles of the competition as well. He then played an important role in India’s third WTC campaign, finishing third behind South Africa and Australia, who meet at Lord’s for the 2025 World Test Championship Final as well.

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However, he opined on the importance of Test cricket.

“I would just urge youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect. If you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand and say ‘Well done, you played the game really well.’ If you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it and earn the respect from legends,” Virat Kohli concluded.