A surprising retirement that's difficult to process

Pardon my confusion, but Virat Kohli calling time on his Test career doesn't add up. Why would a supremely fit, fiercely driven, staunch supporter of Tests suddenly decide to put away his whites? Why would a master of the ring suddenly throw in the towel?

- Amrit Mathur

It is difficult to process, but whatever the inside story, King Kohli has abdicated. Like professionals who experience high-work pressure or champion players who get a clear message from within, Virat has moved on. With his exit, a glorious chapter of Indian cricket is closed. A great innings has come to an end.

Of the 316 players who have played Tests since 1932, Kohli (number 268) is in a select group that shaped Indian cricket, etched their names in history, and created a legacy that will live on. His place in the pantheon of Indian cricket's all-time greats is assured. In the exclusive club consisting of Indian cricket's royalty, Virat will remain King.

There are reasons to remember him with fondness and admiration. It is a cliché that players give 100% on the field—Virat always did more than that. He was feisty, irrepressible, and always on. With insane intensity and energy, Virat would run at full speed between wickets and sprint from long-on to long-on between overs.