New Delhi [India], May 12 (ANI): After months of speculation, Virat Kohli has officially called time on his illustrious Test career, bringing down the curtains on a red-ball journey that defined an era in Indian cricket. At 36, Kohli's decision to retire from the longest format comes after a storied career marked by unforgettable centuries, aggressive captaincy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

As news of his retirement spread, tributes poured in from across the cricketing world.

Young India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal posted a heartfelt picture along with a note on Instagram,

'Pajji, I grew up watching you and Rohit bhai play, and from the moment seeing both of you in that Indian jersey, I dreamed of one day doing the same. Both of you have been a source of inspiration not just for me, but for an entire generation who fell in love with cricket because of the passion and intensity you brought to the game. The impact you've had on Test cricket, and on cricket in India as a whole, is immeasurable. To have had the chance to share the pitch with you -- someone I looked up to for so many years -- was more than just a privilege; it was a moment I'll carry with me forever.'

https://www.instagram.com/p/DJi35hLoviL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers, who shared a deep camaraderie with Kohli on and off the field, wrote on X,

'Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!'

https://x.com/ABdeVilliers17/status/1921828904290914332

Suresh Raina, Kohli's long-time India teammate and fellow 2011 World Cup winner, also posted on his official X handle,

'Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli.

Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on.'

https://x.com/ImRaina/status/1921827258840285221

Sanjay Manjrekar, former India cricketer and now a commentator, highlighted Kohli's unmatched dedication to Test cricket,

'Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket's oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli.'

https://x.com/sanjaymanjrekar/status/1921821105859252638

Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya posted also recalled Virat's commitment to fitness.

'All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli. While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes.'

https://x.com/Sanath07/status/1921824258558243289

In his Test career, the 36-year-old made 123 appearances in white clothing, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs) and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs).

He made his Test debut in June 2011 against West Indies. While his first Test tour was a massive disappointment with just 76 runs in five innings, a young Virat made a name for himself with some serious, counter-attacking knocks in the coming days. His rise as a Test player started with his maiden ton against Australia at Adelaide in 2012, when he made 116 in 213 balls. In a tour where no other could touch 300 runs for India and giants like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Virender Sehwag looked a shadow of their dominant selves, Virat top-scored for India with 300 runs in four Tests, including a century and fifty. Between 2011 to 2015, he made 2,994 runs in 41 Tests at an average of 44.03, with 11 centuries and 12 fifties in 72 innings.

Between 2016 to 2019, Virat had one of the strongest batting primes ever for a Test cricketer, piling up 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, with 16 centuries and 10 fifties in 69 innings and best score of 254*. This also included seven double centuries, most by a captain in Test cricket history.

However, the 2020s have not been great for the superstar batter, having made just 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at an underwhelming average of 30.72, with just three centuries and nine fifties to show in 69 innings. His numbers received a boost from a fine 2023, where he made 671 runs in eight Tests at an average of 55.91, with two centuries and two fifties in 12 innings.

During this whole time frame, Virat battled some notable weaknesses in the format, notably against deliveries outside the off-stump line and against spinners.

He ended last year with just 382 runs in 10 Tests at a shocking average of 22.47, with just one century and fifty in 19 innings. His last Test outing was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia from November-January, where he made just 190 runs in nine innings at an average of 23.75, with his century at Perth being a highlight.

That century was his first since July 2023, when he hit a ton against West Indies at Port of Spain in 2023. Also, his last century at home came against Australia in early 2023 during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Ahmedabad.

Virat's career has been about overcoming several setbacks and taking Indian cricket to new highs.

Be it smashing a peak Australian attack led by Mitchell Johnson for 692 runs including four centuries during Australia tour in 2014-15 and announcing himself as the new captain, guiding India to ICC World Test Championship maces, having a dream-like, redemption tour to England in 2018 worth 593 runs and five fifty plus scores after managing just 134 runs in 10 innings during his last time in UK or braving world-class bowling attacks in Centurion, Melbourne, Perth, Edgbaston and at his own home with some world-class knocks, the 36-year-old has given fans tonnes of memories to replay and cherish forever. (ANI)