Virat Kohli Announces Test Retirement; Pens Down Emotional Note To Bow Out

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May 12, 2025 0 735

After Rohit, Virat Kohli Announces Test Retirement

Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Test cricket via his social media account on Instagram.

In a deeply emotional Instagram post on May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format. “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,” Kohli wrote, reflecting on the personal and professional growth he experienced wearing the whites.

Kohli described the unique challenges of Test cricket-the quiet grind, the long days, and the unseen moments that stay with a player 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,” he added, expressing gratitude for the game, his teammates, and the fans who supported him throughout.

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This announcement ends weeks of speculation that intensified after Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement from Tests. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former cricketers had urged Kohli to reconsider, especially with the crucial five-match Test series against England looming. Yet, Kohli remained resolute, choosing to bow out on his own terms.

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Virat Kohli’s Test career is one of the most illustrious in Indian cricket history. Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and seven double hundreds-the most by any Indian batsman. He is also India’s most successful Test captain, leading the side in 68 matches with 40 wins and a win percentage of 58.82%. Kohli’s aggressive captaincy and prolific batting helped India secure historic series wins, including the first Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket. His passion, intensity, and commitment have left an indelible mark on the game. As he steps away, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration for the next generation of cricketers. While Shubman Gill and Rishabh pant’s names are up for the biggest contenders to lead the Men in Blue, it is up to BCCI now to see which move marks the best man to lead India in the Whites and fill the void of the Indian stalwart.