MUMBAI: Earlier, there were reports circulating about Virat Kohli wanting to retire from Test cricket and telling the BCCI about it before the five-match Test series in England which will commence from June 20.
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Well, it’s official now as Virat Kohli has finally announced his retirement from Test cricket. He has put on a post on his Instagram handle, expressing his feelings as he announces his retirement. Check out the post below:
In the post he writes, “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. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.
There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
As I step away from this format, 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.
I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.
I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.
#269, signing off.”
This retirement marks the end of a 14-year-long illustrious Test career comprising 123 matches, 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, and a record 68 Tests as captain. Under his leadership, India won 40 Tests—making him the country's most successful Test skipper.
Although Kohli notched a century against Australia in Perth in November 2024, it was only his second in nearly two years, a period where his average dipped to 32.56. Nevertheless, the team management values his experience, especially with a transitional squad and Shubman Gill likely to take over as captain following Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from the format. Kohli, along with Rohit, had already stepped away from T20Is post India's 2024 World Cup win.
India is entering a new era with several senior players like Ashwin retired, Pujara and Rahane out of contention, and Shami battling fitness. Kohli’s farewell series comes in England—where he enjoyed a stellar run in 2018, amassing 583 runs at an average of 59.30, redeeming himself after a poor tour in 2014.
From 2016 to 2018, Kohli was at his peak, scoring 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59.
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