As the news of Virat stepping away from Test cricket begins to sink in, it almost feels impossible to imagine the Indian Test team without his presence. As someone who grew up loving Test cricket more than anything else, who skipped classes as a student and now skips work just to watch a Test match, this news feels almost too heavy to carry.
In many ways, Virat redefined Test cricket. At a time when the world was getting swept away by the box-office entertainment of T20 cricket, he stood firm like a gatekeeper and flag-bearer of the longest format. He made it cool, and more importantly, he made it matter.
It feels like we’re closing a chapter that defined an entire generation of cricket. But there’s also immense joy, a deep, overwhelming pride in everything Virat did for this format, for this country, and for fans like me who still believe in the slow burn of Test cricket.
As we bid adieu to a scintillating career, two memories of Virat in Test cricket will forever be etched in my mind.
The first is that masterful hundred at Centurion in 2018. A pitch with venom, a bowling attack with fire and yet, Virat stood tall. That knock wasn’t just about stats; it was about intent, belief, and a refusal to back down.
And then there was Lord’s, 2021. The famous line: “Let’s give them hell for 60 overs.” That wasn’t just a captain giving a pep talk, it was a glimpse of a new India, one that wasn’t going to back down from a battle.
Thank you, Virat, for everything you’ve done for the game. The best way to honour your legacy is to give Test cricket the respect it truly deserves.
Cheers!
Echoes Of Akash 
Leave a comment