<p>Melbourne: Australian batting great Greg Chappell feels <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s Test retirement "marks the end of a thunderous era" in which he managed to "eclipse" the great Sachin Tendulkar in terms of making a cultural and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity.</p>.<p>Writing in his column for <em>ESPNCricinfo</em>, Chappell, a former India head coach said Kohli's over a decade long career in the format that began in 2011, was a "reign forged in grit, fire, and audacity." "It closes the chapter on the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even eclipses him in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity," Chappell wrote.</p>.<p>"Kohli, the incandescent heart of Indian cricket for over a decade, did not just score runs. He redefined expectations, challenged conventions, and symbolised the self-assured, unapologetic India of the 21st century," he added.</p>.Virat Kohli retires from Test: 5 unforgettable moments from the 'King'.<p>The 36-year-old Kohli announced his retirement on Monday, declaring that he is walking away with a heart full of gratitude even though it was not an easy decision to make.</p>.<p>"Virat Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we've ever seen," Chappell wrote.</p>.<p>"He was - a snarling warrior in whites, never giving an inch, always demanding more. Not just of his bowlers, his fielders or his opposition, but first and foremost, of himself," he said.</p>.<p>Chappell said Kohli's exit from Tests marks a "seismic shift in energy".</p>.<p>"There was a time when Indian cricket, particularly overseas, bore an air of respectful submission - playing with technical skill, yes, but often with psychological inferiority.</p>.<p>"That changed in stages. Sourav Ganguly gave Indian cricket a new spine. MS Dhoni brought ice-cold leadership and white-ball dominance. But Kohli? Kohli lit the fire. He tore the script and authored a new one, where India was not just competitive abroad but expected to win," he explained.</p>.<p>Crediting Kohli for single-handedly revamping India's Test approach as captain, Chappell described the aggressive right-hander as an exceptionally perceptive man.</p>.Virat Kohli: The one who forced Gen-Z to fall in love with Red and Whites.<p>"Where others reacted, Kohli anticipated. He saw innings before they unfolded. He lived the pressure before it arrived.</p>.<p>"Yes, Tendulkar was a genius. Yes, Dhoni was a master tactician and an ice-cold finisher. But in the grand reckoning of Indian cricket history, Kohli has been its most influential figure," he said.</p>.<p>"Why? Because he changed not just results but mindsets."</p>
<p>Melbourne: Australian batting great Greg Chappell feels <a href="https://www.deccanherald.com/tags/virat-kohli">Virat Kohli</a>'s Test retirement "marks the end of a thunderous era" in which he managed to "eclipse" the great Sachin Tendulkar in terms of making a cultural and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity.</p>.<p>Writing in his column for <em>ESPNCricinfo</em>, Chappell, a former India head coach said Kohli's over a decade long career in the format that began in 2011, was a "reign forged in grit, fire, and audacity." "It closes the chapter on the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even eclipses him in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity," Chappell wrote.</p>.<p>"Kohli, the incandescent heart of Indian cricket for over a decade, did not just score runs. He redefined expectations, challenged conventions, and symbolised the self-assured, unapologetic India of the 21st century," he added.</p>.Virat Kohli retires from Test: 5 unforgettable moments from the 'King'.<p>The 36-year-old Kohli announced his retirement on Monday, declaring that he is walking away with a heart full of gratitude even though it was not an easy decision to make.</p>.<p>"Virat Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we've ever seen," Chappell wrote.</p>.<p>"He was - a snarling warrior in whites, never giving an inch, always demanding more. Not just of his bowlers, his fielders or his opposition, but first and foremost, of himself," he said.</p>.<p>Chappell said Kohli's exit from Tests marks a "seismic shift in energy".</p>.<p>"There was a time when Indian cricket, particularly overseas, bore an air of respectful submission - playing with technical skill, yes, but often with psychological inferiority.</p>.<p>"That changed in stages. Sourav Ganguly gave Indian cricket a new spine. MS Dhoni brought ice-cold leadership and white-ball dominance. But Kohli? Kohli lit the fire. He tore the script and authored a new one, where India was not just competitive abroad but expected to win," he explained.</p>.<p>Crediting Kohli for single-handedly revamping India's Test approach as captain, Chappell described the aggressive right-hander as an exceptionally perceptive man.</p>.Virat Kohli: The one who forced Gen-Z to fall in love with Red and Whites.<p>"Where others reacted, Kohli anticipated. He saw innings before they unfolded. He lived the pressure before it arrived.</p>.<p>"Yes, Tendulkar was a genius. Yes, Dhoni was a master tactician and an ice-cold finisher. But in the grand reckoning of Indian cricket history, Kohli has been its most influential figure," he said.</p>.<p>"Why? Because he changed not just results but mindsets."</p>