The world of cricket bids a heartfelt farewell to two of its legendary Indian cricketers, V. Kohli and R. Sharma. For more than a decade, these two names have been the heartbeat of India’s test team.
Test cricket, once thought of as boring and slow, was made thrilling. Thanks in large part to an iconic duo—Kohli and Sharma. They gave their fans countless moments to cheer for, from epic centuries to match-winning partnerships.
Their retirement news shocked their fans. As an unforgettable chapter ends, we can’t help but reminisce about the stunning partnership the two cricketers shared. So, why not look back at where they started their splendid journey into Indian cricket? What say? Are you ready?
How Did Fans And The Cricket World React To The Retirement News?
Kohli and R. Sharma’s retirement shocked their fans and the cricket world. Of course, it was no wonder. Nobody was expecting this news.
Even former cricketers and teammates expressed their admiration for the two cricket legends. Social media was flooded with heartfelt notes and tributes showcasing their career highlights.
What Did The Legends Have To Say?
Kohli and Sharma’s leadership played a massive role in shaping Indian test cricket. R. Dravid, India’s head coach, described their exits as “the end of an era.” He praised their leadership and how they inspired a generation of cricketers.
Former legendary cricketers like S. Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, and A. Kumble also shared a personal messenger. Tendulkar regarded Kohli as a “fierce competitor and a pillar of Indian Batting.” On the other hand, he described Rohit as “one of the most gifted stroke-masters India has ever seen.”
Teammates who shared the dressing room with them posted emotional messages on social media platforms. J. Bumrah mentioned how Kohli’s intensity and Sharma’s calm nature helped balance the squad.
Fans from every corner of the country shared their favorite match moments of the two cricketers on social media.
The Start Of Test Cricket For Kohli and Sharma
How did Kohli’s test cricket journey start? Kohli made his test cricket debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Despite early struggles, he was one of the most dependable and aggressive batters this generation has ever seen. During India’s 2014 Australia tour, Kohli set a record when he scored four centuries in four test matches. Then, as the team’s captain, he led India to a series of historic wins, including the famous one in Australia in 2018-19. India grabbed the status of No.1 in the test cricket ranking under Kohli’s leadership.
Sharma began his test career in 2013 with massive centuries against the West Indies. But misfortune was a part of his career? Injuries kept him in and out for years.
However, things changed in 2019 when he was promoted to the test opener for the South Africa series. He took this opportunity to showcase his mettle and scored over 500 runs in the series, including one double century. From then on, there was no stopping him, and he became a reliable batter, mastering different conditions at home and abroad in tournaments.
Kohli was explosive, whereas Sharma brought in the calm. Together, the duo was a perfect mix of aggression and adaptability.
Iconic Moments From Their Test Cricket
Although Kohli and Sharma gave their fans innumerable test cricket memories, a few standout moments are worth mentioning.
The 2014 Australian tour was a turning point in Kohli’s career. Despite India losing the series, Kohli’s performance proved him to be a world-class batsman, with four centuries in four tests. But the century that still stands unmatchable is his 141 in Adelaide while leading team India for the first time. His efforts paid off in 2018-19 when, under his captaincy, India won the first-ever test series on Australian soil. Kohli’s century at Perth 2018 was hailed as he scored such a high score on a rough pitch.
Sharma’s iconic test cricket moment was in 2019 when he opened for Team India for the first time in red-ball cricket. The series was against South Africa, and he responded with his first twin centuries. Another significant performance came during the 2021 England tour, where Sharma scored 127 at The Oval. It helped India lead 2-1 in the series.
Together, Kohli and Sharma shared several critical partnerships, for instance, their 282 in a 2019 test match against South Africa. These moments were more than personal milestones. It helped Team India lead from the front.
Highlights From V. Kohli’s Test Cricket Career
Since our favorite cricketer is retiring, why not have a quick look at Kohli’s best moments?
Johannesburg, 2013
It was Kohli’s first Test tour to South Africa. The series was challenging as he had to face world-class pace attacks. Despite tough conditions, he scored 119 in the first innings against players like D. Steyn, V. Philander, and M. Morkel. He narrowly missed his second chance at a century in the second innings by getting out for 96.
Adelaide, 2014
The test match in Adelaide was crucial for Kohli because he captained India for the first time in this series. Although the opportunity came when Dhoni got injured, Kohli didn’t ace his debut as a captain. He scored a massive 115 in the first innings, followed by a 141 in the second. Though India could not win the series, Kohli made a mark and became a leading batter.
Mumbai, 2016: Kohli’s 235 And One Of His Finest Innings
Kohli played one of the finest innings of his test career in the fourth test at Wankhede. He scored 235, which helped India post 631 and win the match by an innings. This double century in the test was his third of the year. It was a record by any Indian captain at the time.
Edgbaston, 2018: Kohli’s Comeback After A Disheartening Series
Kohli talked about his struggle in England and how disheartening the 2014 series was for him. However, he came back to England in 2018 with full force. He scored a magnificent 149 in the first test at Edgbaston. He almost single-handedly kept Team India in the game. His 22 boundaries and a six were proof of it.
Centurion, 2018: Kohli Scored 307 On A Rough Patch
In the test series against South Africa, Kohli scored 153 of India’s 307 despite a pitch with uneven bounce. No other batter could even reach fifty. Although India lost the game, Kohli faced Rabada, Morkel, and Philander with courage.
Pune, 2019: Kohli Remained Unbeaten At 254
Kohli scored his best and highest test score in Pune. He was unbeaten at 254, with 33 fours and two sixes. His innings helped India declare at 601/, which led to the team’s win by an inning and 137 runs.
Highlights from R. Sharma’s Test Cricket Career
You won’t witness Sharma’s caliber and finesse again in test cricket. So, we will quickly recap his best moments and help you relive the moment once more.
Kolkata, 2013: Sharma Made A Debut With 177 Runs
Rohit made his iconic debut in test cricket at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. He started his innings when India struggled and scored 177 runs from 301 balls. Massive indeed, what do you say?
Moreover, he bagged 23 boundaries and a six, which helped him earn the Player of the Match award. His score remains the second-highest by an Indian in test debut after S. Dhawan’s 187.
Ranchi, 2019: Turning Point In Sharma’s Life
This test series was a turning point in Sharma’s career. After his twin centuries in the first test, he played his best in the final match in Ranchi. He scored 212 runs off 256 balls, including six sixes and 28 fours. It helped India win the test by one inning and 202 runs. Sharma was named Player of the Match and the Player of the Series.
Chennai, 2021: Sharma Helped India With A Strong Foundation
This match was specifically challenging for India because the pitch immensely favored spinners. Sharma accepted the challenges and still scored 161 runs from 231 deliveries. His innings helped India build a strong foundation. Later, the team won 3-1 and qualified for the inaugural World Test Championship final.
The Oval, 2021: Sharma’s Most Satisfying Test Century
Oval was one of Sharma’s most satisfying test centuries for India. After all, he scored his best on an international ground here in the Oval. In the fourth test against England, Sharma scored 127 runs from 256 balls, including 14 fours and a six. His partnership with C. Pujara changed the game’s course, leading to a big win for India in London. This match was also Sharma’s first test hundred outside India.
Nagpur 2023: Sharma Helped India Win By 132 Runs
The stakes were high in the 2023 series against Australia because the test championship was online. Rohit scored 120 runs off 212 balls and stood on the ground for nearly six hours. He helped India win by an innings and 132 runs.
Conclusion: The Final Words Before The Wrap!
As the Indian test cricket team loses two of its prolific batters, the road will be quite challenging. What do you think? But this also means it would be an opportunity for the new young cricketers to shine. India already has a massive pool of young talent. S. Gill is being groomed as the new future leader. Thus, the next few years will be a new chapter for Indian test cricket.
But we will miss the Kohli-Sharma duo in Indian Test cricket. What do you say? Even if they retire, they will stay in our hearts forever.
