A Shocking Announcement That Shook Cricket

In May 2025, the cricketing world was left reeling when Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest-ever batsmen, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The decision, coming just days after Rohit Sharma’s own Test retirement, caught fans and players alike off guard. Among those stunned was New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, a fellow member of the revered “Fab Four” alongside Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith. Williamson’s candid reaction to Kohli’s exit highlighted the emotional weight of the moment, serving as a poignant reminder of the fleeting nature of even the most illustrious careers.

Kohli’s Illustrious Test Legacy

Virat Kohli’s Test career spanned 123 matches, amassing an impressive 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. With 30 centuries and 31 fifties, his aggressive style and relentless drive redefined modern Test batting. However, his form in recent years had dipped, with only one century in the 2024/25 season across series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. Despite this, his decision to step away before India’s Test tour of England for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 was unexpected. Kohli’s choice to retire on his own terms, after also stepping away from T20Is in 2024, underscored his desire to control his legacy.

Williamson’s Heartfelt Reaction

Kane Williamson, speaking to The Independent during his stint with London Spirit in The Hundred, expressed his disbelief at Kohli’s retirement. “You never really consider it,” he said, reflecting on how players often feel invincible in the prime of their careers. “You see opponents and mates making these decisions, and you think, ‘Gosh, it’s been a while, and you’re not getting younger.’” Williamson, now 35, described Kohli’s exit as a “reality check” for himself and other senior players. He praised Kohli’s ability to bow out on his own terms, calling it “amazing” and “special” for what he’s contributed to cri

The Fab Four and the Passage of Time

Kohli’s retirement marked the first departure from the “Fab Four,” a group that has dominated Test cricket for over a decade. Williamson, Root, and Smith continue to play, but Kohli’s exit has prompted introspection among his peers. Williamson, with 9,276 runs in 105 Tests at an average of 54.89, acknowledged the inevitability of retirement, even for the game’s greatest. His heartfelt Instagram tribute to Kohli, reminiscing about their shared journey from U19 days to Test battles, highlighted the deep respect between the two.

What’s Next for Kohli and Indian Cricket?

While Kohli has retired from Tests and T20Is, he remains active in ODIs, with his sights set on the 2027 World Cup. His last international outing was India’s victorious ICC Champions Trophy campaign in February 2025, led by Rohit Sharma. Meanwhile, Indian cricket has transitioned to a new era under Shubman Gill’s Test captaincy. As Kohli and Sharma focus on ODIs, the BCCI is reportedly planning discussions about their roles leading into the next World Cup. For now, Kohli’s legacy as a transformative figure in cricket endures, even as the game moves forward.

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