Virat Kohli rates Test cricket higher than RCB's IPL 2025 win

After an 18-year-long wait filled with heartbreaks and near misses, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally etched their name into IPL history by lifting their maiden title. In a thrilling final clash held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB held their nerve to defeat Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs. The historic win not only brought immense joy to the loyal fanbase but also marked a deeply emotional moment for RCB’s long-time stalwart, Virat Kohli. Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008, is the only player to have represented a single team throughout all seasons.

Virat Kohli still loves Test cricket more than RCB's IPL 2025 victory

Over the years, he has been part of RCB's highs and lows — from devastating final losses to extraordinary comebacks. As the final ball was bowled and victory was sealed, Kohli was visibly overwhelmed with emotion. Tears of joy streamed down his face, a reflection of the years of dedication, persistence, and unwavering belief. After the thrilling IPL 2025 final, Virat Kohli took a moment to reflect on his cricketing journey and reiterated his deep respect for Test cricket. Despite the emotional high of winning his maiden IPL title with Royal Challengers Bengaluru after an 18-year-long wait, Kohli remained grounded in his perspective about the sport. The former India captain, who recently announced his retirement from Test cricket, emphasized the unparalleled value the longest format holds in his heart.

Speaking after the match, Kohli expressed how Test cricket had shaped his career, mindset, and character. He urged the next generation of cricketers to honour and preserve the integrity of Test matches, calling it the “purest form of the game.” He acknowledged that while the IPL victory was a significant milestone and a dream fulfilled with the RCB family, it could never eclipse the weight and pride associated with representing India in whites.

Kohli's remarks highlighted his unwavering passion for the traditional format, even amid the glitz and glamour of T20 cricket. His message served as a reminder that while franchise cricket has grown immensely, the essence of cricket still lies in its oldest and most demanding format — one that truly tests a player’s skill, temperament, and endurance.

"You know, this moment is right up there with the best moments I've had in my career. But it still marks five levels under Test cricket. That's how much I value Test cricket. And that's how much I love Test cricket. So I would just urge the youngsters coming through, to treat that format with respect. Because if you perform in Test cricket, you walk around anywhere in the world, people look you in the eye and shake your hand and say, well done, you played the game really well. So if you want to earn respect in World cricket all over, take up Test cricket, give your heart and soul to it," stated former RCB captain Virat Kohli. 

Just weeks ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s historic IPL 2025 title win, veteran cricketer Virat Kohli made headlines with another significant announcement. On May 12, the 36-year-old officially retired from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a glorious 14-year journey in the red-ball format. Kohli’s retirement marked the end of an era for Indian Test cricket, during which he not only led from the front but also became one of its fiercest advocates globally.

Having featured in 123 Test matches — 68 of them as captain — Kohli scored over 9,200 runs, including numerous match-defining centuries. His tenure at the helm of Indian Test cricket saw a cultural transformation, with fitness, aggression, and a hunger to win overseas becoming central to the team’s identity. More than just numbers, it was his passion for the format that stood out. Kohli often spoke about the sanctity and importance of Test cricket, repeatedly calling it the “greatest format” and playing a vital role in reviving its relevance among younger fans and cricketers.

The timing of Kohli’s retirement also added to its poignancy, as it came just before India’s high-voltage five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20. Though he won’t feature in the red-ball contests anymore, his impact on Indian Test cricket is everlasting. As he now enjoys his maiden IPL triumph, fans and experts alike continue to reflect on his unparalleled legacy across formats — a true champion of the modern game.