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A Journey of Determination and Dominance
Kohli's rise to fame began when he led India to victory in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup. Former captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar pushed for his early inclusion in international cricket, impressed by Kohli's hunger to succeed despite others doubting his readiness.
One of the earliest examples of Kohli's deep commitment came when he scored 90 runs in a Ranji Trophy match for Delhi right after his father's death. He made his ODI debut in 2009, was the youngest member of India's 2011 World Cup-winning squad, and made his Test debut soon after. Although he struggled initially, his maiden Test century in Australia changed everything, setting the tone for an extraordinary career.
Known for his fiery personality early on, Kohli often clashed with opponents, but his on-field aggression was gradually replaced by a deep pursuit of excellence. After Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013, Kohli took up the mantle and built one of the most remarkable careers in cricket history. His thrilling performances made him a favorite among fans, drawing huge crowds wherever he played.
His marriage to film star Anushka Sharma turned the couple into a national sensation, bringing even more attention to his life on and off the field. Kohli's early career reflected the new India – ambitious, fearless, and always striving to be the best.
A Record-Setting Career Across Formats
In ODIs, Kohli is the third-highest run-scorer behind Tendulkar and Sangakkara, but his average of 57.88 is the highest among players with over 100 matches. Known for his ability to chase down big totals, many of his 51 ODI centuries came in tough run chases.
In T20s, while not leading in total runs or centuries, Kohli delivered memorable performances, including his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan in the 2022 World Cup and 76 in the 2024 final against South Africa that helped India win the title. He also holds the record for most runs in IPL history.
At his peak, Kohli averaged over 50 in all three formats, placing him above contemporaries like Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. But from 2020 onward, his performance began to dip. His Test average dropped from over 55 in 2019 to 46.75. Although he lost the captaincy during this period, his reputation remained strong.
Kohli ends his Test career with 9,230 runs, ranking 19th overall and fourth among Indian players, following Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar. While he didn't finish with a 50-plus average, his impact on Test cricket goes far beyond numbers. As captain, he led India to 40 wins in 68 Tests, making him the fourth-most successful Test captain globally and arguably the most impactful in Indian cricket.
Former players praised Kohli's leadership style. He inspired India to win overseas by backing fast bowlers, demanding high fitness standards, and always playing to win. From 2014 to 2021, India consistently ranked among the top three teams in all formats. A key highlight came in 2018 when India won a historic Test series in Australia under his captaincy.
Australia was always a special place for Kohli. He scored 692 runs in four Tests during the 2014–15 series and returned in 2018 to lead India to its first-ever Test series win there. In his final tour to Australia in late 2024, he began strong with a century in Perth but finished the five-Test series with only 190 runs.
His decision to retire may have been influenced by age, the constant public scrutiny, a desire to be with his young family, and the complex dynamics of Indian cricket behind the scenes.
Signing off on Instagram with "#269," Kohli expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile." With this, the greatest advocate of Test cricket in the past 15 years steps into retirement, leaving behind a powerful legacy.
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