Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket, Leaving Fab Four Rivalry Behind

Virat Kohli, the former India skipper, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending his illustrious career in the longest format of the game. Kohli's decision came after an underwhelming performance in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar series, prompting a transition in the Indian team earlier than anticipated.

Kohli's retirement marks the end of a neck-and-neck race between him and his peers, including Kane Williamson, Joe Root, and Steve Smith, who were collectively known as the 'Fab Four' during their respective international careers. Williamson, the ace New Zealand batter, has expressed his respect for Kohli's decision, stating that "all good things come to an end" and that Kohli has been able to make the decision that feels comfortable to him.

As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, his focus will now be on the ODI format, where he remains active in international cricket. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill, who has been appointed as the new Indian Test captain, is expected to dominate the longest format in the near future, having already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the white-ball formats.