In a move that has reverberated throughout the cricketing world, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, made the announcement on May 12, bringing an end to his 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
Kohli's decision comes shortly after Rohit Sharma also retired from Test cricket. Kohli's retirement means India would travel to England with a depleted middle order for the five-match Test series next month.
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly became a vital part of India's batting lineup. Over his career, he played 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 48.7, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He stands as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Kohli's captaincy was marked by aggression and a focus on fitness, leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. He holds the record for most Test wins as an Indian captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches. Under his leadership, India remained unbeaten at home in Test series.
However, Kohli's recent form had raised questions about his place in the Test side. While his commitment was unquestioned, he struggled for consistency, particularly on challenging overseas pitches. His final Test appearance was during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. Despite scoring a century in the first Test in Perth, he managed only 190 runs in the series. Eight of his ten dismissals in that series came via edges to the slip cordon, highlighting his struggles against the moving ball.
In a social media statement, Kohli expressed his gratitude for the journey and his unwavering commitment throughout his Test career: "#269 signing off." He further elaborated about the game, the people he shared the field with, and every single person who made him feel seen along the way, stating he will always look back at his Test career with a smile.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket. Kohli's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His impact on the game, his leadership, and his unwavering passion will be remembered for years to come.
