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In pictures: Virat Kohli, the modern-day cricket great

Getty Images The picture shows Virat Kohli of India celebrating reaching a century during day three of the first Test match in the series between Australia and India at Perth Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Perth, Australia. Getty Images
Kohli celebrating his century against Australia last year during day three of the first Test match

Cricket legend Virat Kohli has announced retirement from the Test format of the game.

In an illustrious career spanning 14 years, the 36-year-old Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.

While he excelled in the shorter formats of the game -- One Day Internationals (ODI) and T20s - he left an indelible mark on Test cricket, leading the Indian team in 68 Tests between 2014 and 2022, winning 40 and losing 19.

In 2018-19, he became the first Indian Test captain to defeat Australia on their home ground.

Kohli first played for the Indian Test team in 2011 and had a modest beginning, not scoring his first century until his eighth Test.

But between 2016 and 2019, he scored 16 of his 30 test centuries - in the most difficult ground conditions - and eclipsing his generation's top players.

Kohli retired from T20 internationals in 2024 after India won the World Cup, but is likely to continue playing ODIs.

His retirement from the Test format marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.

"As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right," Kohli said in an Instagram post.

Getty Images India's Virat Kohli gestures during the first day of the second Test cricket match between India and New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune on October 24, 2024. Getty Images
Kohli failed to make any significant impact during his last series in India - which was against New Zealand in 2024
Getty Images Virat Kohli of India plays a shot during day four of the ICC World Test Championship Final between Australia and India at The Oval on June 10, 2023 in London, England. Getty Images
The Indian star playing a shot during the 2023 ICC Test Championship - which India lost to Australia - in England
Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images India's captain Virat Kohli (C) applauds as the India team celebrates their series win on the fifth day of the fourth and final cricket Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney on January 7, 2019. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
As captain, Kohli leading the Indian team in Sydney ground after a historic series win in Australia in 2019
Getty Images India batsman Virat Kohli celebrates his century during day two of the First Specsavers Test Match between England and India at Edgbaston on August 2, 2018 in Birmingham, England. Getty Images
Kohli, on one his most iconic tours, celebrates a century in Birmingham, England in 2018
Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images India's captain Virat Kohli (front) is jeered by Australian fans after he failed to save a boundary during day four of the fourth cricket Test between Australia and India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 9, 2015. Peter Parks/AFP via Getty Images
Kohli smiling after spectators jeer him for a misfield in the fourth Test against Australia during India's Australia tour of 2015
Getty Images India's Virat Kohli walks back to the pavilion after his dismissal during the first day of the second cricket Test match between South Africa and India at Newlands stadium in Cape Town on January 3, 2024. Getty Images
Kohli after hitting a century on the first day of a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. Kohli's average in South Africa is the highest of any Indian batter
Vino John/AFP via Getty Images Indian Captain Virat Kohli celebrates his century against the West Indies in the last qualifying match at the Kinrara Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur on February 22, 2008. Vino John/AFP via Getty Images
The batter's potential was first spotted in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup, when he led India to the championship

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