Hyderabad: Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a legendary 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
The 36-year-old revealed the decision through his Instagram account, just days before India’s five-match Test series against England kicks off on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
The former India captain ends his red-ball journey as the country’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, having compiled 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85. His record includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, a testament to his consistency and dominance at the top level.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on,” Kohli wrote in an emotional post.
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Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies in Kingston, where he scored 4 and 15 in a modest start to what would become a monumental career. Over time, he became the backbone of India’s middle order and led the team with passion, discipline, and unmatched intensity.
Kohli’s departure comes on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket, dealing a double blow to India’s preparations for the crucial England series. The absence of the team’s two most experienced batters puts added pressure on a young and relatively untested batting lineup.
Reports had earlier suggested that Kohli had informed the BCCI about his desire to retire, and while the board urged him to reconsider, he made the decision official on Monday.
As captain, Kohli led India to the top of the ICC Test rankings and redefined the team’s approach to the format with an emphasis on aggressive pace bowling and fitness. His leadership brought historic series victories in Australia and consistently competitive performances overseas.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌
An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.
His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
Kohli’s influence extended beyond statistics, he was central to India’s cultural transformation in red-ball cricket, inspiring a new generation of players to take pride in the format.
Although he has now exited the Test arena, Kohli is expected to continue playing white-ball cricket for India and will remain a key figure in the IPL.
Selectors now face the urgent task of rebuilding a Test side capable of standing up to England in their home conditions. With Kohli and Rohit gone, the upcoming series marks the beginning of a new chapter for Indian Test cricket.
