emirates7 - The landscape of cricket has shifted dramatically. In the past, players held onto international cricket as their primary income source, with retirement often leading to fading into obscurity and a decline in endorsement opportunities.
Today, however, the economics of the sport have evolved. The rise of global franchise leagues has led to earlier retirements from international cricket. Players now focus more on shorter formats, lucrative T20 contracts, and flexibility in managing their workloads. For national boards, this presents challenges, as many star players are unwilling to commit to long-term national duties.
Against this backdrop, Virat Kohli's reported desire to retire from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. This isn’t just a simple retirement rumor. Kohli, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, has never been one to shy away from responsibility or emotions. Following India’s 2011 World Cup win, he famously carried Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders, saying, “He has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It’s time we carried him.”
Since then, Kohli, who has remained one of the BCCI’s top contract players, has borne not only the weight of the team's expectations but also the hopes of a billion fans—especially in Test cricket.
Taking up the mantle as Tendulkar's successor, Kohli seamlessly slotted into the No. 4 position, becoming the cornerstone of India's Test batting lineup. With over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries to his name, his record is a testament to his skill. Kohli’s aggressive yet disciplined approach has been pivotal in transforming India’s Test cricket strategy, both at home and abroad.
Today, however, the economics of the sport have evolved. The rise of global franchise leagues has led to earlier retirements from international cricket. Players now focus more on shorter formats, lucrative T20 contracts, and flexibility in managing their workloads. For national boards, this presents challenges, as many star players are unwilling to commit to long-term national duties.
Against this backdrop, Virat Kohli's reported desire to retire from Test cricket has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. This isn’t just a simple retirement rumor. Kohli, known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, has never been one to shy away from responsibility or emotions. Following India’s 2011 World Cup win, he famously carried Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders, saying, “He has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years. It’s time we carried him.”
Since then, Kohli, who has remained one of the BCCI’s top contract players, has borne not only the weight of the team's expectations but also the hopes of a billion fans—especially in Test cricket.
Taking up the mantle as Tendulkar's successor, Kohli seamlessly slotted into the No. 4 position, becoming the cornerstone of India's Test batting lineup. With over 9,000 runs and 30 centuries to his name, his record is a testament to his skill. Kohli’s aggressive yet disciplined approach has been pivotal in transforming India’s Test cricket strategy, both at home and abroad.