Star India batter Virat Kohli’s childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has said that the India star has set an example with his Test retirement, as senior players are often removed from the team. Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format ahead of the upcoming tour of England, with reports of him calling time on his Test career doing the rounds.

His childhood coach Rajkumar Sharma has also given his reaction on the retirement, saying that Kohli’s retirement will be remembered for a long time as he’s leaving the game at a time when the entire country wants him to play. Furthermore, he also mentioned that his decision is exemplary, as often senior players are shown the door from the team.

“This retirement will be remembered for a very long time because when the whole country wants you to play and you are taking retirement. Kohli also set an example because you don’t see these retirements often in Indian Cricket; it’s often seen that senior players are being removed,” Rajkumar Sharma told India Today’s sister channel SportsTak.

“But Virat has an example that this is the time, or for whatever reason, he has thought. I appreciate his decision and feel proud of his contribution to Indian cricket. The passion he has for the country is unparalleled,” he added.

Kohli retires after having played 123 Tests and scoring 9230 runs in his career at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name. He made his debut in the longest format way back in 2011 against the West Indies and scored his maiden Test hundred in 2012 against Australia in Adelaide.

Kohli is also India’s most successful Test captain as he led the team in 68 Test matches, won 40, lost 17 and 11 ended in a draw. Under his leadership, India registered their maiden series win in Australia 2018-19 and many other memorable overseas victories, with the most famous one being at Lord’s 2021 vs England. Under his captaincy, India lost just two Test matches at home in seven years and maintained an unbeaten record in series.