Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 14-Year Career

Mumbai, 12th May 2025: Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, delivering a second emotional blow to fans within a week following Rohit Sharma’s surprise exit from the format. Kohli shared the news through an emotional Instagram post on Monday, bringing the curtains down on a glorious 14-year red-ball career.

In his farewell note, Kohli reflected on his journey: “It’s been 14 years of playing this format. This journey tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons for life. Playing Tests for India has always been special. The decision to step away from this format wasn’t easy, but it felt right.” He concluded with a message of gratitude, saying he gave everything to the game and received even more in return.

Kohli’s decision comes just days after Rohit Sharma announced his own Test retirement, leaving a significant leadership and experience gap in India’s longest format setup. Ahead of India’s upcoming five-Test tour of England in June, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider, but the former captain stood firm in his decision.

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. Over the course of his illustrious career, he played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.9. He notched up 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a career-best score of an unbeaten 254.

Kohli’s departure marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Test batsmen of his generation, tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and cricketing legends, lauding his passion, consistency, and match-winning performances.

With both Kohli and Rohit now retired from the longest format, Indian Test cricket stands at a pivotal moment—ushering in a new generation of leaders and players poised to carry the legacy forward.