Virat Kohli, aged 36, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a stellar 14-year career in the longest format of the game. The decision, revealed on Monday, May 12, 2025, follows closely after Rohit Sharma's retirement announcement, leaving a significant void in the Indian batting lineup and leadership. Kohli, who debuted in Test cricket in 2011 against the West Indies, has amassed 9230 runs in 123 matches, with an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As fans and cricket enthusiasts reflect on his remarkable journey, it's worth noting the records that will now remain beyond his reach.
Here are the top 5 Test records that Virat Kohli will now likely not be able to achieve:
Most Test Runs for India: Virat Kohli retires as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. While an impressive feat, he remains behind Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10122). The substantial gap between Kohli's tally and Tendulkar's seems insurmountable at this stage of his career.
Most Test Centuries by an Indian: Kohli concluded his Test career with 30 centuries, placing him fourth on the list of most Test hundreds by an Indian. Sachin Tendulkar (51), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34) occupy the top three slots. Surpassing these legends, especially Tendulkar, would have required a prolonged and prolific run in Test cricket, which now seems unlikely.
Most Runs as Test Captain: Kohli holds the record for the most Test wins as an Indian captain, with 40 victories in 68 matches. However, when it comes to the most runs as a Test captain, he stands fourth with 5864 runs. Graeme Smith (8659), Allan Border (6623), and Ricky Ponting (6542) are ahead of him. Topping this list would have necessitated him continuing as captain and scoring heavily, a scenario now off the table.
Most Test Double Centuries: Virat Kohli is joint-fourth in the list of most Test double hundreds (7), along with England's Wally Hammond. He is behind Don Bradman (12), Kumar Sangakkara (11), and Brian Lara (9). Adding to his tally of double centuries would have required consistent opportunities and peak form, which may be difficult to achieve given his recent form.
10,000 Test Runs: With 9230 runs, Kohli was within striking distance of the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket. While he had the potential to reach this landmark, his retirement means he will remain short of this prestigious mark.
Kohli's Test career was marked by periods of extraordinary form, particularly between 2016 and 2019 when he amassed 4,208 runs in 43 matches at an average of 66.79, including 16 centuries. He also holds the distinction of being India's most successful Test captain, with a win percentage of 58.82%. Under his leadership, India won a Test series in Australia for the first time in 2019.
His final Test series was the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. While he scored a century in the second innings at Perth, his overall performance was considered lukewarm. Kohli's decision to retire also comes ahead of India's five-Test tour of England, which marks the beginning of the next World Test Championship cycle.
