The Indian Test team has been thrust into uncertainty following Virat Kohli’s unexpected retirement from the longest format on Monday, just weeks ahead of a crucial five-match series in England. Kohli’s departure marks the end of a formidable era, as the batting giant leaves behind a legacy spanning over 14 years of resilience, excellence, and unmatched intensity in red-ball cricket.

An inspirational figure and icon to Indian cricket fans, Kohli was the country's most successful Test captain with 40 wins and 17 defeats in 68 matches before stepping down from the role in 2022. The fiercely competitive Kohli averaged close to 55 at his peak between 2011 and 2019, but he could muster only 32.56 over the past 24 months in Tests and had come under pressure.