Why Virat Kohli will be remembered as a symbol of undeniable greatness in Test cricket despite controversies

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket ahead of England series. (Photo: BCCI)

An era in Indian cricket ended when Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. On Saturday, a report was doing the rounds that the India stalwart had informed the Indian cricket board (BCCI) of his intention to call it quits from the longest format of the game.

Though there were reports that Kohli had been asked to reconsider his decision, the fact that the former Indian captain had already made up his mind became evident when he announced his retirement in a social media post.

Also Read  - King's Finest: Virat Kohli’s five greatest Test knocks

"It’s 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’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life," the post read.

"There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for."

"I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”

Also Read - Virat Kohli’s Test Legacy: Captain fantastic who ended India’s overseas woes with bat and bravery

With the advent of T20s, interest in Test cricket had gradually started to decline. To keep the crowds coming in to witness the longest format of the game, the ICC introduced the World Test Championship in 2019. But as the governing body of the sport, the ICC could only introduce measures—it was up to the teams and the players to make the game interesting. After all, there's a different feeling to playing in front of a boisterous crowd cheering you on, as the adrenaline rush raises the bar when it comes to player performances.

And if there was one player who could attract the crowds with all his histrionics—fist-pumping on the field, throwing down the gauntlet off the field, and then backing it up with his performances with the bat—it was Virat Kohli.

Kohli took over from MS Dhoni as India’s Test captain when the latter quit Test cricket midway through the 2014 tour of Australia—after the third Test at the MCG.

Also Read - Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

But Kohli had first led India in the opening Test of that series at Adelaide, as Dhoni missed the match due to a thumb injury. Kohli took to Test captaincy like a fish to water—not only smashing centuries in both innings but also almost leading India to a famous victory.

Powered by his swashbuckling batting and a fearsome fast-bowling attack, Team India rose to the top of the Test rankings under Kohli and stayed there for over three years.

Kohli’s finest moment as captain came when India registered their maiden Test series triumph in Australia after seven decades of trying to conquer the land Down Under.

Kohli's relationship with the Australian crowd was also a fascinating mix of admiration and animosity over the years. As one of the most celebrated and fiery players in cricket, Kohli was often the centre of heated exchanges and thrilling performances in Australia.

During India's 2011–12 tour of Australia, Kohli showed his middle finger to the crowd after being heckled at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This act cemented him as a villain for a section of Australian supporters. The crowd often targeted Kohli with chants, boos, and attempts to rile him up—especially during high-stakes matches or when Australia struggled to contain him.

Kohli's on-field aggression and competitive spirit often clashed with the Australian crowd's tendency to sledge players they consider a threat. His passionate celebrations, verbal spats, and in-your-face attitude occasionally drew boos and jeers from Aussie fans.

On India’s most recent tour of Australia, the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG saw Kohli involved in a shoulder-bump confrontation with Sam Konstas. He was fined 20 percent of his match fees and handed a demerit point for a Level One breach of the ICC code of conduct.

As expected, Kohli was booed by the hostile Aussie fans when he came out to bat after Tea on the second day of the Test. After his dismissal, Kohli was again booed off the ground while returning to the pavilion. A video showed the former India captain pausing halfway to stare at and respond to some fans who had seemingly said something inappropriate. A visibly upset Kohli was then escorted to the dressing room by a member of the security staff. This was just one of many incidents and run-ins that Kohli has had with the Aussie crowd.

But Kohli's consistent performances on Australian soil gradually turned animosity into respect. He is one of the few visiting players to average over 50 in both Tests and ODIs in Australia. His iconic knocks, such as the 169 in Melbourne (2014) and his domination in the 2016 T20 World Cup, showcased his skill and determination.

Kohli's sportsmanship and mutual respect for Australian legends like Steve Smith and Ricky Ponting also softened the crowd's stance. Notably, during the 2019 World Cup, he gestured to Indian fans to applaud Steve Smith amidst the "cheating" chants, earning widespread praise.

Kohli openly spoke about how he thrived on the energy and challenge posed by the Australian crowd, even when it was negative. His acknowledgment of their passion resonated with the fans. Kohli led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia—a historic moment that made even his critics admire his leadership and performance.

The love-hate relationship between Virat Kohli and the Australian crowd was emblematic of the competitive spirit and passion that cricket inspires. While the "hate" stemmed from his dominance and confrontational style, the "love" emerged from his undeniable greatness and sportsmanship.