Virat Kohli Announced Retirement From Test Cricket

Indian cricket bids farewell to one of its greatest modern-day batters as Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, 2025. The legendary cricketer had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his intentions a few days earlier, and now, through a heartfelt social media post, he has confirmed his departure from the longest format of the game- “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” the post read.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.

“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.

#269, signing off.

“🇮🇳❤️”

Virat Kohli’s Test Career: A Legacy of Excellence

The 36-year-old Delhi-born batter enjoyed a phenomenal 14-year career, where he amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, registering 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest Test score, a stunning 254 against South Africa in Pune (2019)*, remains one of his most memorable innings.

Virat Kohli’s decision comes just three days after former T20 captain Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, marking a significant shift in India’s red-ball cricket leadership.

Early Struggles and Rise to Stardom

• Test Debut (2011): Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies, managing only 76 runs in five innings during the series.
• Breakthrough in Australia (2011-12): Despite a challenging start, Kohli showcased his potential later that year by scoring 300 runs in four Tests, including a century (116) in Adelaide, making him India’s highest run-getter in the series.
• Tough Tour of England (2014): Kohli faced his biggest batting test in England (2014), where he struggled against outswing deliveries, scoring only 134 runs in 10 innings.
• Spectacular Comeback (2014-15): He turned his fortunes around later that year in Australia, scoring 692 runs in eight innings, including four centuries, cementing his place as India’s most dominant Test batter.

Virat Kohli’s Test Record

Captaincy: A New Era for Indian Cricket

Kohli’s leadership transformed India’s approach to Test cricket after he took over the captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014. Under his aggressive leadership, India dominated in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

• Matches as Captain: 68
• Wins as Captain: 40
• Historic Series Wins:
  • First-ever Test series victory in Australia (2018-19)
  • Test series draw in England (2021)

What’s Next for Kohli?

Following his T20I retirement post India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph, Kohli has decided to focus on ODIs. With 505 runs in IPL 2025 at a strike rate of 143.46, he continues to showcase his hunger for runs and remains a crucial asset for India’s 2027 ODI World Cup campaign.

As India moves forward without Virat Kohli in Test cricket, his contribution to the team will be irreplaceable. His ability to thrive under pressure and lead from the front has set a benchmark for future generations.