Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, with just ODIs left for him to represent India. The athlete has almost 14 years of playing experience and has placed himself among the legends. The player was something spectacular when at his best, and there were occasions when it seemed he could match Sachin Tendulkar‘s record for most runs and centuries. Kohli closes his Test career with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, 31 fifties from 123 matches, averaging 46.85. The announcement follows Rohit Sharma’s announcement of the same just days ago.
The legendary English bowler James Anderson thanked the former captains, saying, “There will be a new captain now that Sharma has stepped down. Kohli is one of the greatest Test batters.” What big shoes to fill, but Anderson mentions the talent in the squad to carry on. Kohli and Anderson have had a fiery rivalry, which has given rise to numerous unforgettable moments. Kohli has scored 305 runs from Anderson, with Anderson dismissing him seven times. Kohli had a tough start on the 2014 England tour where he really struggled against Anderson, but the next time around, he bounced back four years later to be the leading run-scorer on that tour.
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With Rohit and Kohli gone, there will be some gaps to fill in the Indian side, but Anderson says their new crop of batsmen is bold and fearless, especially judging by their performances in the IPL.
England is set to host India in a 5 match test series starting from June 20 then , they’d tour Australia for the Ashes. Anderson is warning the England team not to get too hooked on the Ashes. He said: “It’s a big year, but it is vital to start building some momentum. Looking back, I saw a lot of focus getting pulled away too soon towards the Ashes and forgetting what’s right in front of you. India will be difficult even at home. They are a powerful side.”
