Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket with a heartfelt message on Instagram on Monday, bringing his splendid 14-year red-ball career to a close. He recently became the third major Indian player to retire from Test cricket, following Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma.
Kohli, regarded as one of the finest batsmen of the modern era, scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches, including 30 centuries. In his Instagram post, he wrote, 'I will always remember my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.' Under his leadership, India won 40 out of 68 Tests.
The Significance of Cap Number 269
During his Test debut against the West Indies in Jamaica in 2011, Kohli received a Test cap numbered 269. Along with Kohli, Pravhin Kumar, and Abhinav Mukund also debuted for India that day.
In cricket, cap numbers indicate a player's debut sequence for their country. Thus, Kohli became India's 269th Test player.
Highlights of Kohli's Test Career
Matches Played: 123 Runs: 9,230 Centuries: 30 Half-centuries: 31 Double Centuries: 7 (Indian Record) Centuries as Captain: 20 (Most for an Indian Captain)
From the joy of receiving his first cap to the bittersweet farewell from Test cricket, Kohli's #269 encapsulates a remarkable journey of triumphs and emotions.
Read More: Why Kohli's Test Journey is Legendary - A Detailed Look Back
Kohli ranks as India's fourth most successful Test century scorer, trailing only:
1. Sachin Tendulkar (51 centuries) 2. Rahul Dravid (36) 3. Sunil Gavaskar (34)
Kohli's Test Highlights
Virat Kohli competed in 123 Test matches across 210 innings, amassing 9,230 runs. His highest score is 254 runs, with a commendable Average of 46.85 and a strike rate exceeding 55. His Test career produced 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, along with 7 double-centuries. Kohli had a strong chance at joining the 10,000-run club and setting new records for centuries, but he chose to retire.
Read More: 'A Lion's Passion, Your Cheeks…' - Heartfelt Post on Kohli's Retirement
Virat Kohli's International Cricket Career
123 Tests, 210 innings, 9,230 runs, 46.85 average, 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries
302 ODIs, 290 innings, 14,181 runs, 57.88 average, 51 centuries, 74 half-centuries, 5 -
125 T20s, 117 innings, 4,188 runs, 48.69 average, 1 century, 38 half-centuries, 4.
