Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has shared his views on star batter’s Test retirement, saying that the Indian talisman has set an example with his decision as senior players are often removed from the team.

On Monday (May 12), the 36-year-old took to social media to confirm his decision to quit Test cricket. This move comes days ahead of the announcement of India’s squad for the upcoming England tour.

Kohli’s Test future had come under severe scrutiny after his flop show in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024/25. He began the marquee series with a second innings hundred (100*) at Perth, but managed to amass only 90 runs in his other eight innings combined.

Virat Kohli’s constant struggles in whites in the last few years saw his average dropping to 46.85.

However, Rajkumar believes Kohli’s retirement will be remembered for a long time as he bid adieu to the traditional format at a time when the entire country wanted him to play.

“This retirement will be remembered for a very long time because when the whole country wants you to play and you are taking retirement. Kohli also set an example because you don't see these retirements often in Indian Cricket; it's often seen that senior players are being removed,” Rajkumar told Sports Tak in an exclusive chat.

“But Virat has an example that this is the time, or for whatever reason, he has thought. I appreciate his decision and feel proud of his contribution to Indian cricket. The passion he has for the country is unparalleled,” he added.

Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played an instrumental role in India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade with his aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity on the field.

Under his captaincy, India were competitive everywhere and registered their maiden Test series triumph on Australian soil in 2018-19. Overall, Kohli led his country in 68 Test matches and suffered defeat in only 17 of them. With 40 wins and 11 draws, he boasts a remarkable win percentage of 58.82, making him the most successful Test captain in India's history.

Kohli finished his Test career with 9230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254.

Having retired from T20Is last year, Virat Kohli will now focus solely on the 50-over format.