Virat Kohli, the celebrated Test champion from India, has shocked fans with his recent retirement announcement from the format he cherished the most. Following this surprising news, fellow Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara took a moment to commend Kohli's remarkable contributions to Test cricket and his significant influence on the fitness culture within the Indian team.
Pujara emphasized Kohli's enduring legacy, particularly noting that when Kohli took over as captain in 2015, he prioritized fitness and athleticism, which transformed the Indian Test squad.
Kohli's Commitment to Elevating India's Test Team
Pujara remarked, "When he began leading the team, he introduced a fitness culture that was crucial for the Indian players. Other teams were also focusing on fitness, but it was during Kohli's captaincy that we saw a significant shift in our approach to fitness."
He further explained, "The influx of fast bowlers into the Indian team at that time also necessitated a focus on fitness. Kohli was dedicated to ensuring that the team became one of the best in the world, always aiming to take 20 wickets in a match. This required a collective effort from all players to meet that goal."
Kohli's Unfulfilled Dream of 10,000 Test Runs
Despite expressing a desire to achieve 10,000 Test runs at a young age, Kohli's retirement leaves this ambition unfulfilled, as he stepped away from the game just 770 runs shy of that milestone. He concluded his Test career with a total of 9,230 runs across 123 matches, averaging below 50 in the last five years. The Indian team is set to embark on a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, while the India A team will engage in three four-day practice matches beginning June 1.
