An homage to a Test captain and player who did things his way as Virat Kohli retires

As Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, it became clear that the cricketing world was witnessing the end of an era. The emotional tribute he shared on Instagram, accompanied by Frank Sinatra's "My Way," resonated deeply with fans and players alike, capturing the essence of his career: bold, unapologetic, and truly unique.

Kohli's Journey: The Next Tendulkar?

From a young age, Kohli had set his sights on becoming India's next cricketing legend, often quoting his school teacher’s prediction that he would emulate his idol, Sachin Tendulkar. While this may have seemed like a lofty goal at the time, Kohli's career speaks for itself. His statistics — 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 123 Tests, with a remarkable average of 46.85, place him amongst the all-time greats of the format. Among his numerous milestones, his seven double hundreds stand out, a record for an Indian batter.

His performance against Australia in Australia is particularly noteworthy. In 18 matches, Kohli scored 1,542 runs at an average of 46.73, including 7 centuries, surpassing even Tendulkar's tally in the land of the Aussies. Kohli’s determination to be the next "Master Blaster" was perhaps most evident in his dominance over Australia, one of the most competitive teams in world cricket.

The Rock ‘N’ Roll Captain

Kohli's leadership style was a stark contrast to that of his predecessor, MS Dhoni. While Dhoni’s captaincy was often described as calm and composed, Kohli was pure energy — an explosive force on the field, motivating his team with relentless intensity. His captaincy revolutionized India's approach to Test cricket, shifting from a traditional, somewhat passive mindset to one that was aggressive, fearless, and results-driven.

Under his leadership, India became the team to beat, with a win percentage of 58.82% — the highest for any Indian Test captain. Kohli’s record of 40 wins and 11 draws in 68 Tests speaks volumes about his impact, and his captaincy is largely credited with India’s historic Test series win in Australia — a triumph that further solidified his place in cricketing history.

Kohli’s Unique Way

What set Kohli apart from his peers was his refusal to conform. He didn’t try to imitate anyone, not even his idols. Instead, he carved out his own path, blending elegance with aggression. His batting was both graceful and fierce, while his celebrations were full of emotion, a reflection of his deep passion for the game.

He was not just a player but a leader who inspired, whether through his on-field intensity or by nurturing younger players. Kohli’s swagger and boldness, including his memorable moments of taunting opposition players and backing his bowlers, were a trademark of his approach to Test cricket.

In the end, as Sinatra's lyrics suggest, Kohli played the game his way. His journey wasn’t without its struggles, but he embraced every challenge with defiance and determination. Despite the inevitable ups and downs, Kohli’s career can be summed up by those final lines from the song: "I did it my way." This mantra defined his cricketing philosophy, and it was this spirit that allowed him to reach the pinnacle of Test cricket.

Kohli’s Legacy

Now that the curtain has fallen on No. 269’s Test career, Kohli joins the ranks of cricket’s greatest. He may not have achieved everything that some had hoped for, but his legacy is undeniable. From his aggressive batting to his inspiring leadership, Kohli has forever changed the way India plays Test cricket, leaving behind a blueprint for the next generation of cricketers to follow.

Kohli's retirement is not just the end of a chapter, but the beginning of his immortalization in the annals of cricket history. And as Sinatra says, "For what is a man, what has he got? If not himself, then he has naught." Virat Kohli leaves cricket having done it all, in his own way, and for that, he will forever be remembered as one of the game’s true greats.