NEW DELHI: In a significant development for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, bringing an end to his illustrious 14-year career in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt social media post, stating,
“It’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”
Kohli’s retirement comes as a shock to the cricketing world, especially since it follows the recent Test retirement of India’s captain Rohit Sharma. Kohli’s decision marks a turning point for Indian Test cricket, which will now have to navigate a period of transition without two of its stalwarts.
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A Record-Breaking Career
Virat Kohli’s Test career is a testament to his exceptional talent, fierce competitiveness, and unrelenting passion for the game. He represented India in 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name. As captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history.
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Kohli’s aggressive style of leadership and his emphasis on fitness and discipline redefined the Indian Test team’s approach, turning it into a formidable force both at home and abroad. His most memorable achievements as captain include India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and the rise of a world-class fast-bowling unit under his leadership.
A Farewell Message
In his farewell message, Kohli expressed his gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and the fans who have supported him throughout his career.
“Cricket has been my life, and Test cricket has always been the format that challenged me the most. I leave with a lot of pride in what we achieved as a team and immense gratitude for the opportunities I had,” he wrote.
The Indian cricket fraternity has responded with an outpouring of tributes for Kohli. Former cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and MS Dhoni, lauded Kohli’s contribution to the game, while current players expressed their admiration and sadness at his departure.
The Road Ahead for Indian Test Cricket
With both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket, India will face a leadership and experience gap. The upcoming five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, will be the first major challenge for the team in this new era.
For Indian cricket fans, Virat Kohli’s departure marks the end of an era — one defined by passion, aggression, and unparalleled excellence. As Kohli steps away, his legacy as one of India’s greatest Test cricketers will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
