The speculation had been building for days, and now it’s official—Virat Kohli, one of Indian cricket’s greatest icons, has announced his retirement from Test cricket. At 36, ahead of the upcoming England series, Kohli has drawn the curtain on his illustrious red-ball career, marking the end of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket.
In an Instagram post on Monday, May 12, Kohli wrote,
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined where this journey would take me. This format has tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons that I’ll carry for life.”
He added, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The silent grind, the long days, the unseen moments—those are what stay with you forever.”
Reflecting on his decision, Kohli said, “Walking away from this format is not easy, but I feel it’s the right time. I gave everything I had to Test cricket, and it gave me back so much more.”
“My heart is filled with gratitude—for the game, for those I’ve shared the field with, and for those who supported and loved me.”
In a fitting farewell, he signed off with his trademark grace: “I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
Kohli’s Test numbers are impressive—9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 48.70, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. But beyond statistics, his impact was transformative. Since debuting in 2011 against the West Indies, he brought fierce passion, fitness revolution, and unmatched commitment to the longest format.
His final Test series was the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. He started strong with a century in Perth but struggled thereafter, scoring just 190 runs in the last five matches. Swing and seam troubled him particularly—he was caught in the slips eight times in ten innings.
Kohli wasn’t just a batting maestro—his leadership defined a new era. Under his captaincy, India played 68 Tests and won 40, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history. His crowning achievement remains India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19.
While questions had recently emerged about his form, his dedication and champion mindset were never in doubt. Kohli is expected to continue playing ODI cricket, but his departure leaves a massive void in India’s Test setup.
Tributes have poured in from teammates, former players, and fans alike. Many describe him not just as a batsman, but as the face of Indian Test cricket for more than a decade.
Though a chapter ends with Kohli’s farewell, his legacy will continue to inspire generations. Future players may chase records, but few will match the passion, aggression, and unwavering respect Kohli showed for Test cricket.
