"We are not playing for numbers or averages" - When Virat Kohli defended criticism of turning pitches during India's 2015 home season

Star Indian batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. During India's series against South Africa at home in 2015, Kohli, who was leading the side then, had defended criticism of turning pitches.

India were heavily criticised for producing turning pitches during their 2015 home season. During a press conference after their win against South Africa in the third Test in Nagpur, it was suggested that India's batting was poor and that the bowlers had succeeded in helping them win games.

However, Kohli defended the batting unit, stating that the main concern was to win games and not the averages of the batters.

“I don’t think our displays have been ugly, let me state that first. It’s a harsh word to use. It’s been lack of application. And secondly, I don’t mind compromising on (batsmen’s) averages as long as we are winning Test matches. I think that’s our main concern,” he had said (via Hindustan Times).

He added:

“We are not playing for record, we are not playing for numbers or averages. Let’s not get into that matter. Yeah, that’s all there is to it.”

Under Virat Kohli, India rose to the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings and were dominant in home conditions. He also lead India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018.

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Virat Kohli's numbers in Test cricket

Virat Kohli's Test retirement comes at a critical period for India, as they are set to tour England for a five-Test series in June this year. With Rohit Sharma already having announced his Test retirement, Kohli walking away now leaves a major void in the team.

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and has had a long and successful career, barring the past few years where he struggled for consistency. Overall, he played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.

The right-hander smashed 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in the longest format of the game. Having retired from T20Is after the 2024 T20 World Cup win, he will now be seen playing only ODI cricket for India.