After 14 years in the Test match, Virat Kohli is one of the immortal figures of Indian cricket.
"Honestly, I never thought that this format would take me on a journey. It has tested me, shaped me, and taught me a lesson for a lifetime," Coley wrote in a test retirement social media post on Monday.
He added: "Playing among white people is something private. Quiet grinding, long days, the moment when no one sees it, but stay with you forever."
Here's all about India's huge influence and the retirement of the captain:
Why does Virat Kohli retire from testing?
Kohli's dropping form in the form of five days of cricket might have prompted him to decide to call it a day.
After nearly 55 peaks between 2011 and 2019, he can call a batting average of 32.56 in the past 24 months.
Kohli's last test was in Sydney in January, when India lost to Australia.
Besides the unbeaten century in the second inning of the first inning Test in Perth, Coley had only 90 runs in eight of the five-inning series.
Kohli had previously viewed mental fatigue and injury as other reasons to consider retirement.
"It's not easy when I'm away from this format - but it feels right. I've given me everything and it's giving me a lot more rewards than I hoped for."
What does Virat #269 mean?
Kohli used #269 in Instagram posts when she announced her retirement on Monday.
This number indicates that Kohli is the 269th player to compete in Test cricket on behalf of India.
What will Kohli do next?
Kohli will continue to play for Indian cricket in a one-day international match, but with the promise of the Test match, his schedule will have more time to pursue other interests outside of the match.
The 36-year-old has an ever-expanding business empire in India. He is an active investor in massive fitness, hospitality and clothing companies such as Chisel Fitness Center, Angry Coffee, Sportswear brands One8, Wrogn Menswear brands and Blue Tribe to name just a few.
He is also a global brand ambassador for several international companies including Puma, Audi and Vivo.
Unlike many top cricketers, Kohli did not say he would pursue a career in cricket review, but he has talked many times about giving back to the game in some form and being able to guide possible options later on.
Will Coley move to the UK after retirement?
According to his childhood cricket coach Rajkumar Yadav, in December 2024, Kohli is reportedly planning to leave India and settle in London with his wife Anushka Sharma and their two children, daughter Vamika and son Akaay.
What is Kohli's net worth?
Coley's net worth is reportedly around £96 million ($126 million) from salary, business and approved deals.
What are the stats of Kohli’s key career test competitions?
- Kohli left for seven double centuries, the most players in India and the fourth player in exam history. From July 2016 to December 2017, six of them were an extraordinary 18-month, 33 innings spells, which was his number one hitter in this format.
- Kohli created the number of centuries - only 14 players have more tests. He has 31 and a half centuries left.
- Kohli's highest test score was 254, with 254 against South Africa in Pune, India in October 2019.
- He was the captain in 68 Tests and won 40 games, the most captains in India and ranked fourth in Test cricket.
- Kohli performed 9,230 tests, with an average of 46.85, ranking fourth on the roster of Indian players in history, behind the great giants Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar.
- In Australia's Test Series, any Indian batsman played a total of 692 matches in four tests.
How popular is Kohli?
Kohli has married a Bollywood star with 272 million followers on Instagram and 67.8 million followers on X, making him one of the most popular sports stars on the planet.
The organizers acknowledge that his popularity is a key factor in cricket’s return to the Olympics at the 2028 Olympics.
Response to Coley's retirement
Greg Chappell, former captain of Australia:
"Kohli redefined expectations, challenged the convention, and symbolized a 21st century self-confidence, unapologetic India," Chappell said in an article on ESPN Cricinfo.
“His departure not only left a statistical gap, but also an earthquake shift in energy – because there was never another like him.
"No Indian captain ever called a team to such an overseas dominance. Because Tendulkar has undoubtedly dominated the batsmen on every continent."
Jasprit Bumrah, Indian Dome Hard Chef:
“From making my exam debut under your captain to reaching new heights for our country, your passion and energy will be missed, but the legacy you leave behind remains unparalleled.”
Sanath Jayasuriya, former Sri Lankan captain:
“While the world celebrates your cricket glory and record, what I appreciate most is your strong commitment to fitness and behind-the-scenes sacrifice.”
Yashasvi Jaiswal, India's opening batsman:
"Your impact on Test cricket and Indian cricket in general is immeasurable. The opportunity to share with you the stadium - people I have looked up to for many years - is not just privilege; it's the moment I always take me."