Former Indian captain Virat Kohli surprised cricket fans worldwide by announcing his retirement from Test cricket during IPL 2025. His emotional reaction to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s maiden IPL title win was heartfelt, but his remarks about Test cricket soon sparked a fresh debate. Kohli described the IPL victory as one of the most memorable moments of his career but also stated that, despite its significance, it still ranks “five levels below” Test cricket, which he loves the most. This statement didn’t sit well with some players, including West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell, who responded sharply to Kohli’s perspective.

Andre Russell, known for his explosive performances in limited-overs cricket, weighed in on Kohli’s comments by highlighting the differences in how Test cricket is valued and supported in different countries. Russell pointed out that players like Kohli, coming from cricket boards such as India’s that provide substantial financial backing and central contracts for Test players, naturally hold Test cricket in high regard.

In an interview, Russell explained, “I think Test players are taken care of very well in countries like India, Australia, or England. It is completely different from countries like West Indies. Those cricketers get great central contracts to play Test cricket. Obviously, they would like to play if they get such an opportunity. But even if our players play 50 or 100 Tests, they still do not have much to show after retirement.”

Russell himself has had a very limited Test career, having played just one Test match for West Indies back in 2010. He revealed that he was dropped from the Test squad because the cricket board saw him primarily as a white-ball specialist. Reflecting on his brief Test stint, Russell said, “Test cricket was an important part of my career, but some people pushed me away from it. Still, I have no regrets about it.”

His only Test appearance came against Sri Lanka on November 15, 2010, where he scored just two runs and took one wicket. After this match, he never got another chance to play in the longest format.

Russell’s comments underline a stark contrast in cricketing cultures and resources. While Kohli’s admiration for Test cricket is rooted in the robust support system and high status it enjoys in India, players from the West Indies face different realities where Test cricket is less financially rewarding and less prioritized by cricket boards. This has led to varying views on the format’s value and future among international players.

The debate sparked by Kohli’s statement and Russell’s response highlights ongoing discussions about the place and significance of Test cricket in the modern era, especially as shorter formats like IPL and T20 continue to grow in popularity and financial clout.