Virat Kohli. document. |Picture source: ANI
Australian batting Big Greg Chappell believes Virat Kohli’s test retirement “signs the end of a thunderous era”, in which case he manages to “erode” the great Sachin Tendulkar in terms of cultural and psychological impacts on Indian cricket identity.
Former Indian head coach Chappell wrote in an op-ed for “Espncricinfo” that Kohli’s long-term career in the decade that began in 2011 was “in courage, fire and bold rule.”
“It closes the chapter of the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even overshadows him with a eclipse of his cultural influence and the psychological impact on Indian cricket identity,” Chapel wrote.
He added: “Kohli is the incandescent heart of Indian cricket, and has been more than a decade, not only scoring and running. He redefined expectations, challenged the convention and symbolized a self-assured, unapologetic India in the 21st century.”
The 36-year-old Kohli announced his retirement on Monday, announcing his heart to walk away with gratitude, although it was not an easy decision.
Chapel wrote: “Virat Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we have ever met.”
He said: “He was a white roaring warrior who never gave an inch and always asked for more. Not only his bowling ball, his fielder or the opposition, but first of all, himself.”
Chapel said Kohli’s exit from the test marks a “seismic shift in energy.”
“There was a time when Indian cricket, especially overseas, was filled with respectful surrender – yes, yes, but often psychological inferiority.
He explained: “This changed in the stage. Sourav Ganguly gave Indian cricket a new spine. Lady Dhoni brought cold leadership and the advantage of white ball. But Kohli? Kohli ignited the fire. He tore the script apart and wrote a new script where India not only competes abroad, but also expects to win.”
Chappell single-handedly revamped the Indian test method, describing the aggressive right-hander as an unusually keen man.
“Where others react, Kohli predicts. He saw the inning before it unfolds.
He said: “Yes, Tendulkar is a genius. Yes, Dhoni is a master tactician and icy finisher. But Kohli is his most influential figure in the huge estimates of Indian cricket history.”
“Why? Because he not only changed the results, but also changed his mindset.”
publishing – May 13, 2025 at 04:03 AM IST
