Test cricket will never be the same: Assam CM on Kohli's retirement

Guwahati, May 12 (IANS) Reacting to Virat Kohli's retirement, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the Test cricket will never be the same again.

Taking to his official X account, CM Sarma wrote, "Test Cricket will never be the same again! #ViratKohli's retirement, close to the heels of Rohit Sharma's retirement leaves a huge void in Indian Test cricket which will be difficult to fill."

"Farewell legend, red ball cricket will miss you and your passion for this format," he added.

Indian cricket stalwart and former captain Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket.

The decision came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his decision to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month's five-match Test series against England.

"It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life," Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

"There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it's not easy — but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for."

"I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude -- for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off," he added.

In less than a week, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from the longest format of the game which will leave the Indian team without much experience in the batting department.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, has been a cornerstone of India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade.

His aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity have helped transform India into a formidable Test side both at home and abroad.

Kohli will bid adieu to his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

He hangs up his spikes as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).

--IANS

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