Cricketing legend Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, drawing the curtains on an illustrious red-ball career that spanned nearly 14 years. Tributes have been pouring in from around the world, hailing the former India captain as one of the greatest batters the game has ever seen.
Among those paying rich tributes is England’s fast bowling great James Anderson, who shared a storied rivalry with Kohli across several iconic encounters.
Kohli’s announcement came just days after Rohit Sharma also confirmed his retirement from the longest format, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. Reflecting on the twin departures, Anderson, speaking on TalkSport, acknowledged the void the duo will leave behind.
“Great players,” Anderson remarked. “There will be a new captain because Sharma has retired. Kohli, one of the greatest Test batters that’s ever been. There’s big shoes to fill there but they’ve got a huge amount of talent in their squad.”
Anderson and Kohli have a history of fierce battles on the field, particularly during India’s tours of England. Their duels were the stuff of legend, filled with intensity and drama. Kohli scored 305 runs against Anderson in Tests, averaging 43.57 while being dismissed by the pacer seven times. The 2014 series in England was especially tough for Kohli, as Anderson repeatedly got the better of him. However, Kohli bounced back in style during the 2018 tour, where he emerged as the top scorer for India, showcasing immense grit and determination.
The retirement of Kohli and Rohit has left a significant void in India’s Test setup. However, Anderson believes the future is bright. “You just have to watch the IPL. They are bringing players into Test cricket from the IPL now who are just so attacking, aggressive, and fearless,” he added.
India’s transition will be tested soon, with a five-match Test series against England starting June 20. Later in 2025, England will also travel to Australia for the Ashes, setting up another intense year of red-ball cricket.
As Kohli steps away from the whites, he leaves behind a legacy few can match—123 Tests, 9230 runs, 30 centuries, and 31 half-centuries at an average of 46.85. He may no longer be wielding the bat in the longest format, but his impact on the game will echo for generations.