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Key Points

Virat Kohli's unexpected announcement of his Test cricket retirement sent ripples through the cricketing world. Steve Waugh, former Australian cricketer, commended Kohli's "courageous" decision, highlighting the difficulty of leaving the beloved format. Kohli's long-standing contribution transformed India's cricketing approach with passion and dedication. With his exit, Virat joins a list of recent big-name retirements defining a new era for India's Test team.

Key Points: Steve Waugh Praises Virat Kohli's Bold Test Cricket Retirement

  • Virat Kohli announces retirement from Tests before England series
  • Steve Waugh calls the decision courageous amid team transitions
  • Kohli's career marked by leadership and record scores in Test cricket
2 min read

It's not easy to walk away: Steve Waugh on Virat's courageous decision to retire from Test cricket

Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Tests hailed as courageous by Steve Waugh amid India's transition.

"I think it’s courageous that Virat made that decision. It’s not easy to walk away from Test cricket. - Steve Waugh"

Mumbai, May 26

Former Australia cricketer Steve Waugh believes it was "courageous" of India stalwart Virat Kohli to bid adieu to Test cricket, considering it is not easy to "walk away" from the format.

On May 12, the world stood in silence after Virat announced his decision to retire from Tests more than a month before the five gruelling Tests in England, scheduled to begin on June 20.

Virat's decision came days after his long-time compatriot Rohit Sharma brought the curtain down on his memorable adventures in the whites.

Waugh believes such a transition is bound to happen in a team, considering "great players" can't continue forever. While many felt Virat had enough left in his tank to continue in the red-ball format, Waugh believes his decision showed signs of courage.

"Well, it's obviously a change in the team. That happens in every team. There are cycles. Great players can't go on forever. I think it's courageous that Virat made that decision. It's not easy to walk away from Test cricket. He's been a legend of the game and Rohit as well," Waugh told ANI.

Virat's retirement from red-ball cricket marked the continuation of the retirement of big names from the Test format in the Indian setup. Before the Indian batting bigwigs, the illustrious frontline off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it a day on his international career midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.

The 36-year-old's 14-year journey in the longest format of cricket transformed India into a result-producing machine. He infused aggression and the culture of fitness into a team riddled with youth and experience.

In a career that redefined the demands of the game, Virat scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, and finished as India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format. Meanwhile, Rohit concluded his red-ball career with 4,301 runs at an average of 40.57, 12 centuries, and 18 half-centuries in 67 Tests.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Virat changed Indian cricket forever! His aggression and fitness standards inspired a generation. While it's sad to see him go, he's earned the right to choose his exit. Hope he mentors young players now 🇮🇳🏏 #KingKohli
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Priya M.
I disagree with Waugh slightly - Virat still had 2-3 good years left in Tests. Our middle order looks weak without him, especially in overseas conditions. But respect his decision - maybe he wants to focus on white-ball cricket and family.
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Arjun S.
End of an era! Remember how he single-handedly won us the Adelaide Test in 2014? That's the Virat we'll miss. But change is good - time for Gill, Jaiswal to step up. Hope BCCI organizes a proper farewell match for him.
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Sunita R.
Emotional moment for every cricket lover. His passion was unmatched - whether scoring centuries or cheering from the dressing room. Waugh is right, it takes courage to walk away when you're still performing. Respect!
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Vikram J.
People forget he played 113 consecutive Tests since debut! That's insane fitness and dedication. Maybe his body was giving signals we don't know about. Let's celebrate his legacy rather than question his timing.
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Neha P.
As a woman cricket fan, I'll miss his intensity the most. He made Test cricket exciting again for younger audiences. Hope he does commentary - would love to hear his insights about the game!

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