Virat Kohli Test Retirement

Indian cricket is set to witness a monumental shift as Virat Kohli, one of the game’s greatest modern-day batters, has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his retirement from Test cricket on May 10, 2025. The 36-year-old has opted out of India’s upcoming five-match Test series in England, citing a desire to step away from the longest format of the game. However, BCCI officials have urged him to reconsider, given his extensive experience in English conditions.

Kohli’s Test Cricket Legacy

Virat Kohli’s contribution to Indian Test cricket over the last decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. He made his Test debut in 2011 and quickly evolved into a pillar of the Indian middle order, particularly excelling in challenging conditions in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia).

Despite his struggles in the last Australia tour, where he averaged 23.75 in five matches, Kohli’s overall record speaks volumes about his consistency and dominance. His performances in England have been especially impactful, where he has amassed 1,096 runs in 33 innings, including two centuries and five fifties.

Virat Kohli’s Test Career in Numbers

• Matches Played: 123
• Runs Scored: 9,230
• Batting Average: 46.85
• Centuries: 30
• Half-Centuries: 31
• Best Score: 254* vs South Africa (2019)

His Impact as India’s Test Captain

Kohli’s leadership redefined India’s approach to Test cricket, instilling an aggressive mindset and an unwavering focus on fast bowling dominance. He led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories and guiding the team to historic series wins, including the iconic 2018 and 2021 Test victories in Australia. His influence has shaped India’s overseas success like never before.

As India prepares for life without Virat Kohli in red-ball cricket, his successor will have enormous shoes to fill. His presence in swinging conditions has been invaluable, and his departure marks the beginning of a new era in Indian Test cricket.

Earlier in 2024, the batting maestro said goodbye to the shortest format of the game, following India’s successful campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. Moreover, in the ongoing IPL 2025, he has notched up 505 runs in 11 innings at 143.46, dictating his hunger for runs even at 36