Indian batsman Virat Kohli, considered one of the finest batsmen in contemporary cricket, has said he is saying goodbye to Test cricket with immediate effect – a move being seen as a reaction to cricket board’s ceremonial decision to tell his teammate Rohit Sharma to retire.
The 36-year-old, who scored 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries, announced his decision to retire from the five-day format of the game.
The decision could drastically affect the Indian team as it comes just before a visit to England.
In an Instagram post today, Kohli:
“It has been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It has tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket comes close to the retirements of experienced players Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, something that could challenge Indian national team.
The departure of such high-quality players may mark a turnaround that Indian cricket has not seen since the retirements of greats Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and later Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag in 2012.
As per reports, the Indian cricket board had told Rohit Sharma that his Test career was over and that he should be retiring Rohit Sharma later shared this news.
Some cricket experts say such a move on part of the criket board might have prompted Kohli to announce his decision.
Kohli apparently did not like that the player was not given the opportunity to make his own decision.
