Test cricket still the pinnacle in eyes of Virat Kohli
India legend beams while reminiscing on Test career just moments after tasting Indian Premier League glory.
India great Virat Kohli has reflected on his Test career for the first time since announcing his retirement from the format, calling it "five levels" above other formats in the midst of Indian Premier League (IPL) glory.
Interviewed in the moments after Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally lifted the trophy after 18 years of trying, a jubilant Kohli was given an opportunity to reminisce on his career in whites, providing perspective even as confetti fell on him in Ahmedabad.
"This moment (the IPL win) is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career, but it's still marks five levels under Test cricket.
"That's how much I value Test cricket. That's how much I love Test cricket."
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On top of his 9230 runs at 46.85 in a revered career in whites, Kohli also featured in two World Test Championship Finals across the first two cycles of the competition.
He then played a key role in India's third WTC campaign, finishing third behind South Africa and Australia, who meet at Lord's for the 2025 World Test Championship Final.
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The right-hand batter went on to push the next generation to pursue success in the red-ball format, even in a new era where white-ball cricket has claimed a bigger foothold in the game.
"I would just urge youngsters coming through to treat that format with respect.
"If you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye, shake your hand and say 'Well done, you played the game really well.'
"If you want to earn respect in world cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it and earn the respect from legends."
Kohli bowed out of Test cricket with 30 centuries, and India won 40 times in the 68 matches he captained, making him the most successful skipper for his country in the format.
