The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulates Virat Kohli on a remarkable Test career that revolutionized Indian cricket's expectations for devotion, leadership, and excellence.
In a time when limited-overs forms predominated, Virat's exit from the longest format closes a chapter that not only improved Indian cricket's standing internationally but also reignited popular interest in Test cricket. He restored the game's purest form to its former glory.
Virat demonstrated unparalleled consistency, unrivaled competitiveness, and fearless leadership over 14 years, starting with his 2011 debut against the West Indies and ending with his farewell Test earlier this year. With a total of 9,230 runs in 123 matches, an average of 46.85, 30 hundreds, and 31 fifties, he concludes his Test career.
Vice-president Rajeev Shukla of the Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) praised the star batsman for his contributions in the longest format following Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket. He said that although the board does not approve of his departure, it respects his personal choice.
"The contribution of Virat Kohli for Test Cricket and India has been great. Any amount of praise is less. We are not feeling good that he has retired from Test Cricket. But it is his individual decision, and BCCI never puts pressure on a player for retirement. We should respect his decision. He must have thought about something before arriving to it. We will surely miss him in Test cricket as he is such a great batter,” Shukla told ANI.
Virat Kohli is also India’s most successful Test captains with 40 wins from 68 Test matches and only 11 losses.
Roger Binny, President, BCCI, said: “Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket. What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game. His leadership marked a shift in how India competed overseas—with aggression, belief, and a refusal to settle for second best. He inspired a generation to take pride in the whites, and his impact on Indian cricket will be felt for decades to come.”
Devajit Saikia, Secretary, BCCI, said: “Test cricket found not just an ambassador, but a true guardian in Virat Kohli. He led from the front, drove standards higher, and placed unmatched emphasis on fitness, discipline, and mental toughness. His batting performances—especially in challenging overseas conditions—have become reference points for future cricketers. He retires from this format as India’s most successful Test captain, setting the bar very high for the next generation.”
(BCCI/ANI inputs)
