In a revelation that stunned the cricketing world, former India captain Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, drawing curtains on a glorious 14-year red-ball career. Reacting to the announcement, Kohli’s close friend and former RCB teammate AB de Villiers offered deep insight into what might have driven the legendary cricketer’s decision.
“He must have listened to his heart... He followed his gut feeling,” said De Villiers, highlighting the emotional and personal nature of Kohli’s choice. “He has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years, and luckily, we will still see him on the cricket field.”
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While Kohli has not hinted at stepping away from ODIs, the departure from Tests marks the end of an era. The 36-year-old played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a career-best of 254 not out. He retires as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, behind legends Sachin Tendulkar , Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar .
De Villiers admitted the void Kohli leaves behind will be hard to fill. “He will be missed in Test matches,” he said, adding, “He leaves a great legacy in the red ball.”
Kohli’s decision, while unexpected, now stands as a poignant reminder of a cricketer who gave his all — and walked away on his own terms.
“He must have listened to his heart... He followed his gut feeling,” said De Villiers, highlighting the emotional and personal nature of Kohli’s choice. “He has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years, and luckily, we will still see him on the cricket field.”
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
While Kohli has not hinted at stepping away from ODIs, the departure from Tests marks the end of an era. The 36-year-old played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a career-best of 254 not out. He retires as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, behind legends Sachin Tendulkar , Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar .
De Villiers admitted the void Kohli leaves behind will be hard to fill. “He will be missed in Test matches,” he said, adding, “He leaves a great legacy in the red ball.”
Kohli’s decision, while unexpected, now stands as a poignant reminder of a cricketer who gave his all — and walked away on his own terms.
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