With a heavy heart, the cricketing world bids farewell to its luminary, Virat Kohli, who has announced his retirement from Test cricket. This shift leaves a deep void akin to losing a beloved icon.
The legendary Indian batsman — often referred to as the cricketing equivalent of Lionel Messi — has dazzled fans and followers, leading a passionate legion of 1.4 billion people throughout his illustrious career.
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Diving into his achievements over an unforgettable 14 years, here’s a glimpse of what made Kohli a titan of the game:
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7
Incredible as it may sound, Kohli recorded a remarkable seven double centuries in Test matches — a record for an Indian cricketer and the fourth highest globally. Six of those extraordinary milestones were achieved during a blistering 18-month period from July 2016 to December 2017, a time when he stood unmatched as the world’s No. 1 batter.
30
With an impressive tally of 30 Test centuries to his name, few can rival Kohli’s prowess; only 14 players in history have surpassed this achievement. Additionally, he marked his territory with 31 half-centuries, further solidifying his legacy.
46.85
His batting average of 46.85 tells a story of consistency and brilliance, feeding the dreams of cricket lovers everywhere.
123
Kohli graced the field in 123 Test matches, with an impactful leadership role in 68 of those games, triumphing in 40 — the greatest victory count for an Indian captain and ranking fourth in the history of Test cricket.
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254
Unforgettable is his highest score: an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune, India, back in October 2019. It was not only a showcase of his extraordinary talent but also the last of his spectacular double centuries.
9,230
Kohli amassed an astounding 9,230 runs throughout his Test journey, standing proudly as fourth on India’s all-time list, just behind fellow legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
271 million
Even off the pitch, Kohli remains a powerhouse, boasting a staggering 271 million followers on Instagram, a testament to his widespread popularity and influence.
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