by sussexpob » Mon May 12, 2025 8:20 am
Virat Kohli calls an end to his test career - a career noticeably separated into the pre-Covid excellence, and a steep decline after. One can only assume with a lot of miles on his clock that the lockdown tour of OZ was a big part of his decline, such is the clear and marked turn around.
I guess the last few years will aid in defining his place in history, but I think that would be unfair. As arguably the greatest 3 pure three format player in history + a long stint as captain of India at a time expectation was high, I think I can safely say no cricketer has ever had the sort of pressure Kohli experienced in his career, and the sheer demands to perform to the highest standards across 3 international formats and the IPL. His international record is staggering when taken as a whole, but even more impressive given the context.
One can only wonder what he'd have ended with in an era with the same talent, but no T20/IPL/Captaincy burdening him. It was very predictable that something gave way as he came into his 30s. A long career, so many matches - it wore him down. It would wear anyone down.
All I know is, few players can ever match his peak between 2015-2019. He made runs in big matches, in tough conditions, consistently - and with visual class added in.
Enjoy your retirement Virat.
2010 French Open fantasy league guru 2010 Wimbledon fantasy league guru 2014 Masters golf fantasy guru 2015 Players Championship FL Guru 2016 Masters Golf Fantasy Guru
And a hat and bra to you too, my good sirs!