Speculations over star India batter Virat Kohli's Test career continue to take over the internet as the 36-year-old expressed his intentions to retire from white clothing to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following a disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia away from home. The 36-year-old’s most recent memory in Test cricket remains a haunting image, visibly helpless, distraught, and seething with frustration after falling yet again to an outside off-stump delivery from Scott Boland during the Australia tour. In many ways, Australia has mirrored Virat Kohli’s journey, a land where he transformed from a fiery prodigy to a dominant force, and ultimately, a veteran battling the inevitable decline brought on by age, fading instincts, and the unforgiving passage of time. (Photos: AFP)
Updated On: 2025-05-12 03:55 PM IST
Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar
The 2011-12 breakthrough tour
At just 23, Virat Kohli embarked on his maiden Test tour to Australia, shadowed by legendary seniors and immense scrutiny. After failing in the initial matches, he found rhythm in Perth with gritty scores of 44 and 75. His defining moment came in Adelaide, scoring a brilliant maiden Test century against a quality Aussie attack. Despite a 4-0 whitewash for India, Kohli stood out as the only Indian batter to cross 300 runs, marking his arrival as a formidable force in challenging overseas conditions.
2014-15: The coronation of a superstar
Following a forgettable England tour, expectations were low, but Kohli exploded in Australia, redefining resilience and form. His twin centuries in Adelaide, aggressive strokeplay, and captaincy debut cemented his stature. Amassing 692 runs at an average of 86.50, including four tons, Kohli dominated like never before, earning global acclaim and rewriting records as the most successful Indian batter in a single SENA series.
2018: The captain who conquered Australia
Returning as a battle-hardened skipper, Kohli led India to a historic 2-1 Test series win—India’s first ever on Australian soil. Though not his most prolific with the bat (282 runs at 40.29), his masterful 123 at Perth on a challenging pitch remains iconic. His leadership and composure, paired with key contributions from teammates, helped India finally triumph in a SENA nation under his captaincy.
2020-21: Personal priorities and collective glory
Kohli started strong with a composed 74 in the Adelaide Test but departed after the infamous 36 all out to be with his wife for their first child’s birth. Though his absence led to skepticism, Ajinkya Rahane took over and scripted a miraculous series comeback. While Kohli's statistical impact was limited, his leadership legacy still loomed large as India pulled off one of their most historic series wins.
2024-25: The beginning of the end?
Despite hopes of a vintage series following a ton at Perth, Kohli faltered against a relentless Scott Boland, who exposed his vulnerability outside off-stump. Dismissed cheaply in key moments, he managed just 190 runs in 9 innings at an average of 23.75. His visibly frustrated walk back after repeated failures painted a stark image of a champion confronting his decline on a familiar battlefield.
