By
SABC Sport
12th May 2025
The 36-year-old made 123 appearances in the Test 'whites' for his country, scoring 9 230 runs, that included 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with a highest score of 254 not out that was achieved against South Africa in Pune in 2019.
Kohli was also India's Test captain for 68 matches of his career, with a record of 40 wins, 17 defeats and 11 draws in the leadership role.
We pick out five of Kohli's most fighting knocks in Test cricket:
1) 2012: 116 v Australia in Adelaide - maiden Test century
After an initial struggle that saw him score three half-centuries in his first seven Test matches, Kohli struck his maiden ton in the longest format with 116 against the Aussies in a losing cause in what was the final game of the series.
Even though India lost the series, the hundred was important for Kohli as he kicked on and made 29 more in a distinguished career.
2) 2013: 119 v South Africa in Johannesburg
India's top-order batters always had struggles against the bounce and seam movement in South Africa but Kohli was superb in combating an attack that included Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander at the Wanderers.
Kohli's hundred was the only score in India's first innings that was above 47 in a total of 280 and set up an interesting clash that eventually ended in a tense draw.
3) 2014: 105 not out v New Zealand in Wellington
New Zealand had fought back magnificently from a first innings deficit thanks to Brendon McCullum's 302, and looked to go for the win on the fifth and final day.
India were wobbling on 54-3 and instead of just batting for time, Kohli went on the offensive playing shots all around the ground to bat out the day.
4) 2014: 169 v Australia in Melbourne
Kohli was at at his sublime best as he took on the the quick and fiery Australia fast bowler Mitchell Johnson when compiling the magnificent innings.
His runs set up India's first innings total of 465 with the Boxing Day Test eventually ending in a draw.
5) 2018: 149 v England at Edgbaston
It was Kohli's first Test century in England with the backdrop being that he struggled initially and was dropped on 21, but he kept at it and played a gem in what was a fierce battle against England kingpin seamer James Anderson.
The next best score in India's first innings was only 26 in a total of 274 as Kohli once again showcased his ability to play under extreme pressure.