Virat Kohli’s bond with Test cricket remains a defining part of his legacy, even after he stepped away from the format. Widely celebrated as one of the finest Test batters of his era, Kohli has continued to speak about the deep meaning the longest format holds for him—sentiments that recently drew strong praise from England great Ian Botham.
Kohli’s Test retirement and the legacy he leaves behind
Kohli formally brought his Test career to a close on May 12, 2025. Over 123 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs and built a reputation not only as a match-defining batter, but also as one of India’s most successful Test captains.
Even after retiring from Test cricket, the former India captain has repeatedly shown that he still carries genuine pride and emotion for the format. His reflections have often returned to what Test cricket meant to him personally and what he considered India’s achievements during his time at the helm.
Maiden IPL title, then Kohli’s comparison to Tests
Only moments after finally winning his first IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025—ending an 18-year wait—Kohli addressed the significance of that achievement in public. While he admitted the IPL triumph ranks among the best moments of his career, he also placed it firmly below his love for Test cricket.
- After RCB’s title win, Kohli said the moment sits among his career’s finest, but still falls “five levels below” Test cricket.
- He stressed that his affection for Test cricket and the value he assigns to it remain unmatched, even after tasting IPL success.
Botham’s praise and Kohli’s Test-first mindset
England legend Ian Botham responded to Kohli’s remarks with admiration, highlighting the mindset behind the Indian star’s words. Botham framed Kohli’s view of Test cricket as a clear indicator of his greatness, even when compared to the IPL and its unique pressures.
- Botham said he particularly loves when Kohli reflects that winning Test matches for India matters more to him than anything else in the game.
- He added that, in his view, this outlook captures Kohli’s character, “even including winning the IPL.”
- Botham also stated that he considers Kohli one of the finest players in Test cricket.
Botham made these comments during the 12th edition of the Tiger Pataudi Memorial Lecture, organised jointly by The Bengal Club and The Telegraph.
Emotional reflections on India’s Test era under Kohli
In more recent remarks, during an RCB podcast, Kohli looked back on the years he spent playing Test cricket and leading India through memorable stretches of the format. He spoke about how the group he captained was driven by a shared desire to represent the country in Tests.
- Kohli described revisiting the period when he was able to play Test cricket for so long and guide India through outstanding victories.
- He referred to a “golden era” in India’s Test journey during his time.
- Kohli said the side consisted of young players who always wanted to play Test cricket for India.
- He added that they were given “the opportunity of our lives” together as a group.
Taken together, Kohli’s comments—both after his Test retirement and following his IPL title success—continue to underline his deep respect for Test cricket and the passion he has carried for the format throughout his career.
