Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has been shocking for the fans when he announced his plan to bid farewell to the longest format of the game on 12 May. Kohli’s evolution as a player can be regarded as one of the most fascinating journeys in International cricket. A more mature and less impulsive Kohli was once a ruthless and rebellious batter for the Indian cricket team. This trend to give back to the Aussies was introduced by Virat through his expressions and body language. Here is a list of Virat Kohli’s top 5 fiercest fights in Test cricket that would justify how much he puts his blood and sweat into the game, no matter the opponent or the conditions.
- Virat Kohli vs James Anderson (India – England, 2014 & 2016)
2014 (England Tour): Kohli played poorly with the bat in the tour and underwent constant scrutiny by Anderson throughout the series. Argument and high emotions were common in their interactions during these tours.
2016 (India Tour): Kohli was good with the bat in the home series and did not shy away from putting words that he exchanged with Anderson, especially after recording a century in Mumbai.
- Virat Kohli vs Steve Smith
“Brain Fade” Controversy: In the Bengaluru Test, Smith requested the dressing room for DRS suggestions, but it’s against the rules of the game. Kohli did not hesitate to publicly state that Australia’s cheating claims could not warrant the then-imminent debate between the two parties. Beyond that specific competition, their feud has made the headlines, and it is a standout feature of modern cricket.
- Virat Kohli vs Tim Paine
In the course of the series, the two leaders had several heated conflicts with each other. The best part of them was during the Perth Test when they were caught on the stump mic sparring in lively banter. Paine said, “You’re not liked by your own teammates,” after which Kohli responded with an intently stern look. Umpires had to raise themselves to avoid the escalation of tension.
- Virat Kohli vs Ben Stokes (India vs England 2021)
After pouring out accounts of Stokes dropping increasingly loud profanities targeted at Indian bowler Siraj, Stokes and Kohli got into a heated confrontation during the Chennai Test. Kohli supported Siraj, and he and Stokes argued fiercely and ended amicably.
- Virat Kohli vs Australian Crowd (Sydney & Melbourne Tests)
The Australian crowd has questioned Kohli’s game in a few parts, but the most notable one was in the series of 2011 and 2014. Once, he pointed his middle finger at the crowd in Sydney during the 2011-12 series, and later he explained it as a response to verbal attacks.
