Virat Kohli: India great retires from Test cricket
CNNMAY 9
Indian Cricketer Virat Kohli Ends Test Career After 14-Year Run
Above: Virat Kohli of India celebrates after scoring his century during day four of the Fourth Test match in the series between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium on March 12, 2023 in Ahmedabad, India. Image copyright: Robert Cianflone/Staff/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Kohli's retirement marks the end of an era that revolutionized Indian Test cricket. His aggressive leadership style, unwavering commitment to fitness, and passion for the longest format helped India dominate overseas and maintain the world No. 1 ranking for five years. The transformation he brought to Indian cricket culture will influence generations of players to come.
Narrative B
The timing of Kohli's retirement raises questions about whether he read the room after Rohit Sharma's exit and sensed subtle signals about a leadership transition. With declining form in recent years and young talents like Shubman Gill emerging, the 36-year-old father of two may have lost the famous drive needed to deal with Test cricket's demanding nature.