Kohli called time on his illustrious Test career on May 12.
Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played a key role in India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade with his aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity.
The 36-year-old finished his Test career with 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 from 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254. Having retired from T20Is last year, the India talisman will now focus solely on the ODI format.
Reacting to Kohli’s retirement, former cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar suggested that the Indian talisman should've retired after the upcoming tour of England. However, Vengsarkar respected his decision.
"I'm surprised with the decision of Virat Kohli to retire especially because the big England tour is coming up in June. I think he (Virat) should have played against England. It's a five-match Test series in their backyard, a big series. He could have played the entire series and then called it a day. But he decided not to - and it's his call," said Vengsarkar while speaking to The Indian Express.
"He had a great, outstanding innings. He evolved as a player after each series and each year, a true match-winner."
Kohli’s retirement came days after Rohit Sharma announced that he’s done playing Tests, leaving a big void in the Indian team ahead of the England tour that marks the beginning of the new WTC cycle.
Vengsarkar opined that the BCCI selectors will find it hard to find Kohli and Rohit’s replacements despite a talented pool of batters in their ranks.
"Rohit Sharma and Virat will leave a big void. I'm sure there are players in the team who would like to grab the opportunity in the England tour now because I believe there is quality in the squad. The flip side of the retirements by these two players is that others will get the opportunity to establish themselves. The contribution of Virat and Rohit towards Indian cricket is huge and will remembered for a long time.
"Now with two modern greats retired, it's a good chance for those on the bench. India's bench strength is strong with a good domestic structure but it will be tough call for selectors to find the men who can fill the shoes of Virat and Rohit," he added.
India will travel to England for five Test matches next month. The marquee series is slated to get underway on June 20 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord's (June 28), Trent Bridge (July 6), The Oval (July 14), and Old Trafford (July 24).