Lauding Virat Kohli or revolutionising Indian Test cricket with his unmatched “aura, swagger, and passion,” former England captain Nasser Hussain added a fresh angle to the reasons behind the legendary Indian cricketer’s Test retirement when many former cricketers believed he could have carried on for another two years at least. As Kohli bid farewell to the format on Monday, announcing his retirement after a distinguished 14-year journey, Hussain reflected deeply on the massive impact Kohli had on the game.The timing of Kohli’s decision follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s announcement to retire from Tests, adding emotional weight to the announcement. Both of these pillars of Indian cricket stepped away from the longest format within a week of each other, leaving behind a massive void in the team ahead of five crucial Tests in England.Kohli, who concluded his career as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, leaves an enduring legacy as both a player and a captain. Under his leadership, India experienced unprecedented success, claiming 40 wins out of 68 Tests and achieving the No. 1 ranking for an impressive 42 months,Hussain, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, said, “I have been a massive Virat Kohli fan over the last 14 years – his stats speak for themselves – but he was so much more than that. It was his aura, swagger, and passion. We know Indian cricket fans, and the game means so much to them. They want their captain to show them what it means to the team, and no one embodied that passion for cricket in India more than Kohl
(FILES) India's Virat Kohli reacts as he walks back to the pavilion at the end of New Zealand's innings on the fifth day of the ICC World Test Championship Final between New Zealand and India at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, southwest England on June 22, 2021. Batting great Kohli announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, just days before India name their squad for a tour to England. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE