Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. South African legend AB de Villiers has shared his thoughts on the retirement of his former Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) teammate. Kohli’s decision to step away from the longest format of the game came earlier this month, just days after Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Virat Kohli retirement came as a surprise to many cricket fans. He represented India in Test matches from 2011 to 2025, finishing as the country’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format. Over 210 innings, he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
With both Sharma and Virat Kohli retiring from Tests, the Indian team has lost two of its key players in the format. In response, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has appointed Shubman Gill as the new Test captain. Gill will lead a young Indian side in the upcoming Test series against England.
“Virat Kohli Will Be Missed in Test Matches” – AB de Villiers
Former South African captain AB de Villiers, a close friend of Virat Kohli and his long-time teammate at Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL), believes that Kohli’s absence in Test cricket will be deeply felt.
“He ( Virat Kohli) followed his instincts. I think he has contributed immensely to world cricket over the years. Thankfully, we’ll still see him on the field. He will definitely be missed in Test matches, but he leaves behind an incredible legacy in red-ball cricket,” de Villiers said during an NGO event in Mumbai.
Commenting on India’s new Test captain Shubman Gill, the South African legend acknowledged the challenge ahead but expressed optimism.
“Yes, it’s time for the younger players to step up. With Shubman Gill taking on leadership responsibilities, they’ll have to shoulder the pressure, especially in England. It will be a tough series, but they have all the talent in the world. If they believe in themselves, they might accomplish something special,” he added.
India and England are set to face off in a five-match Test series starting June 20. The opening Test will take place at Headingley in Leeds, while the final match is scheduled from July 31 to August 4 at Kennington Oval in London. Rishabh Pant has been appointed India’s new vice-captain in Tests.