Nearly a month after announcing his retirement from Test cricket on 12 May, Virat Kohli shared heartfelt reflections on his decision and the special place Test cricket holds in the sport. “Test cricket has always been five levels above everything else,” Kohli said. “It’s a format I’ve loved deeply and respected the most. Even now, I urge the youngsters coming through to treat Test cricket with that same respect. Performing well in Tests earns you respect worldwide — it’s a badge of honour.” Though he has stepped away from the longest format, Kohli emphasised the lasting impact Test cricket has had on him. “It shaped me not only as a cricketer but as a person.”
Kohli played a key role as a senior batsman in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title this season, despite not being captain. Reflecting on the win, he said, “This IPL win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. After 18 years of chasing this dream, to finally have it is unbelievable. I gave this team my youth, my prime and my experience. I was overcome with emotion after the last ball.”Quiz: Who’s that IPL player? He praised the team’s resilience and management’s backing throughout the campaign: “This group of players, this management — they’ve been outstanding. We had the right balance and confidence in our squad, even when many questioned our tactics. This victory belongs to every player, every family member, and everyone who stood behind us.” Kohli’s message to young cricketers remains clear and inspiring: “Test cricket is the ultimate challenge. If you want to earn respect across the globe, give your heart and soul to it.
