The retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket marks the conclusion of a golden chapter in Indian cricket. Known as the modern-day monarch of the game, Kohli wasn’t just a prolific run-scorer—he was also a passionate leader who redefined India’s approach to red-ball cricket. His aggressive style of captaincy, combined with an insatiable hunger for runs, brought about a revolutionary shift in India’s Test performance, especially overseas.
After a remarkable 14-year career in the whites, Kohli played his final Test in May 2025, finishing with 123 appearances. Throughout this journey, he shared the dressing room with several stalwarts who contributed significantly to India’s rise as a dominant force in world cricket. While individual brilliance shone brightly, the bond with key teammates was instrumental in crafting unforgettable victories.
Here’s a look at the five players who played the most Test matches alongside Virat Kohli during his illustrious career:
1. Ravichandran Ashwin – 93 Matches
Leading the list is India’s premier off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin, who appeared in 93 Tests alongside Kohli. Ashwin’s ability to deliver breakthroughs at critical moments and his contributions with the bat made him indispensable. The synergy between Kohli as captain and Ashwin as a match-winner often tilted games in India’s favour. Their mutual respect and understanding were evident in how frequently Ashwin delivered in pressure situations under Kohli’s leadership.
2. Cheteshwar Pujara – 93 Matches
Sharing the top spot with Ashwin is Cheteshwar Pujara, the cornerstone of India’s Test batting for over a decade. Known for his unwavering concentration and ability to blunt world-class bowling attacks, Pujara played 93 Tests with Kohli. The contrast in their batting styles—Kohli’s flair and aggression complemented by Pujara’s grit and patience—created a perfect balance in the Indian lineup. Together, they endured many challenging spells and laid the foundation for several memorable wins.
3. Ajinkya Rahane – 78 Matches
Ajinkya Rahane, a calm and composed presence in the middle order, played 78 Tests alongside Kohli. A key member of the leadership group, Rahane was often Kohli’s deputy and stepped up admirably when called upon to lead. His poise under pressure and ability to anchor innings overseas proved vital to India’s success. The Kohli-Rahane duo often forged crucial partnerships that helped India escape or dominate tricky situations.
4. Ravindra Jadeja – 71 Matches
With 71 appearances next to Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja carved a niche for himself as a true all-rounder in Test cricket. His contributions were not limited to just spinning webs with the ball—Jadeja’s improved batting and lightning-fast fielding turned him into a game-changer. Under Kohli’s leadership, Jadeja grew in confidence, and their combined energy often swung momentum in India’s favour.
5. Ishant Sharma – 66 Matches
Veteran fast bowler Ishant Sharma rounds off the list, having featured in 66 Tests with Kohli. A mainstay of India’s pace battery, Ishant’s role during Kohli’s captaincy era was pivotal. His ability to extract bounce and movement, especially in overseas conditions, made him a go-to bowler. Kohli frequently turned to Ishant for crucial breakthroughs, and their camaraderie helped set new benchmarks for India’s fast-bowling unit in Test cricket.
Conclusion
As Virat Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of intensity, commitment, and transformation. His journey was not a solo act—it was defined by the comrades who stood with him through battles won and lost. Together, these five players helped script India’s most defining moments in the format, and their collective impact will be remembered for generations to come.
