Kohli toasted among Test greats by BCCI chief Binny
Virat Kohli will be remembered fondly among the Test greats after the former India captain announced his red-ball retirement on Monday.
That was the message from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president Roger Binny, who lavished praise on the 36-year-old.
Kohli oversaw 68 Tests in charge of India, more than any other captain for his country, and also led his team to 40 wins, making him the nation's most successful skipper in the format.
He averaged 46.85, plundering 9,230 Test runs, which ranks fourth among Indian batters, behind Sunil Gavaskar (10,122), Rahul Dravid (13,265) and Sachin Tendulkar (15,921).
Kohli hit 30 Test tons, ranking fourth for his country, while his tally of seven double-hundreds leaves him joint-fourth on the all-time list.
"Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket," BCCI chief Binny said in a statement.
"What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game. His leadership marked a shift in how India competed overseas; with aggression, belief, and a refusal to settle for second best.
"He inspired a generation to take pride in the whites, and his impact on Indian cricket will be felt for decades to come."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India congratulates @imVkohli on an extraordinary Test career that redefined the standards of excellence, leadership, and commitment in Indian Cricket.
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
Full statement - https://t.co/d9cL4sE3cZ
India remained unbeaten in a Test series under his captaincy and won 10 of the 11 series under Kohli's stewardship.
"Test cricket found not just an ambassador, but a true guardian in Virat Kohli," added Devajit Saikia, BCCI's honorary secretary.
"He led from the front, drove standards higher, and placed unmatched emphasis on fitness, discipline, and mental toughness.
"His batting performances, especially in challenging overseas conditions, have become reference points for future cricketers.
"He retires from this format as India’s most successful Test captain, setting the bar very high for the next generation."
Kohli's retirement follows fellow team-mate Rohit Sharma's decision to step away from the Test side.