BCCI Thanks Virat Kohli as Test Cricket Legend Announces Retirement

Following Virat Kohli’s announcement of retirement from Test cricket, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) expressed heartfelt gratitude to the former India captain. In a social media post, the BCCI simply wrote, “Thank you, Kohli,” acknowledging the end of a glorious era in Indian Test cricket. The board praised Kohli’s unmatched contributions and said his legacy will be remembered forever.

Virat Kohli made his Test debut on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston. He registered his maiden Test century in January 2012 against Australia at the Adelaide Oval. Interestingly, his Test captaincy journey also began in Adelaide in 2014, where he made an unforgettable start. Kohli scored 115 runs in the first innings and 141 in the second, becoming only the fourth Indian batter to hit centuries in both innings of a single Test.

During his captaincy, Kohli led India in 68 Test matches—the most by any Indian captain. India won 40 of those matches under his leadership, setting a record for the most Test wins by an Indian skipper.

Among his greatest achievements was leading India to a historic 2-1 series win in Australia in the 2018–19 season. It marked India’s first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil, ending a 71-year-long wait. Under his leadership, India also climbed to the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings and remained there for a record 42 consecutive months. Kohli’s team remained unbeaten at home in Test series, winning 10 out of 11 during his tenure.

Kohli also guided India to the final of the 2019–21 ICC World Test Championship, where the team finished as runners-up. Personally, he amassed seven double centuries in Tests, the most by any Indian batter.

The BCCI extended its best wishes to Kohli on behalf of the Indian cricket community and praised his immense impact on the game. “His legacy will continue to inspire future generations,” the board stated.

Team Maverick.