Vishal
Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: The End of an Era
By Vishal Mishra
Updated: May 12, 2025
Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket: “Not Easy, But Feels Right”
In a move that has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old batting maestro shared an emotional post on Instagram, confirming his decision to step away from the longest format of the game after a stellar 14-year career.
Kohli’s retirement follows that of Rohit Sharma (who retired last week) and Ravichandran Ashwin (who called it quits in December), marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. With Mohammed Shami’s future in Tests also uncertain, the Indian team is set for a major transition.
A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Virat Kohli’s Emotional Farewell Post
Taking to Instagram, Kohli penned a heartfelt message, reminiscing about his journey in Test cricket:
Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025
“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.”
He further added:
“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.”
Kohli signed off with:
“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off. 🇮🇳❤️”
A Glorious Test Career in Numbers
Virat Kohli leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in Test cricket:
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Matches: 123
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Runs: 9,230
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Average: 46.85
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Centuries: 30
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Fifties: 31
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Highest Score: 254*
While he fell just 770 runs short of the 10,000-run milestone, his impact on the game transcends statistics. Kohli was not just a batsman but a leader who redefined India’s Test cricket culture.
Virat Kohli: India’s Greatest Test Captain? (Virat Kohli Retires)
Kohli took over as Test captain in 2014 and transformed India into a dominant force, especially in overseas conditions. Under his leadership:
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Matches as Captain: 68
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Wins: 40
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Losses: 17
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Draws: 11
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Win Percentage: 58.82% (highest for any Indian captain)
Key Achievements as Captain:
✅ First-ever Test series win in Australia (2018-19)
✅ Back-to-back series wins in Australia (2020-21)
✅ Historic victories in England and South Africa
✅ Unbeaten home record for five consecutive years
His aggressive, fitness-driven approach set new standards, inspiring a generation of cricketers.
Reactions from the Cricket World
The news of Kohli’s retirement has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, former players, and experts.
Harbhajan Singh:
“Why now? He still had a lot to offer. But respect his decision. One of the greatest ever.”
Sachin Tendulkar:
“Virat brought a new intensity to Test cricket. His passion was unmatched. Wishing him the best for the future.”
Ravi Shastri:
“He changed the way India played Test cricket. Fearless, fit, and always hungry for victory.”
Fans on Social Media:
Trending hashtags like #ThankYouVirat and #KingKohli reflect the emotional farewell from millions of supporters worldwide.
There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
While Kohli has retired from Tests, he continues to be available for ODIs and T20Is, with the 2025 Champions Trophy and 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon. There’s also speculation about his potential involvement in coaching or commentary roles post-retirement.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy That Will Inspire Generations
Virat Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His relentless drive, unmatched consistency, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the sport. While fans may have hoped for a farewell series, Kohli’s sudden exit only adds to the mystique of his career—always unpredictable, always extraordinary.
As the cricketing world bids adieu to one of its finest, one thing is certain: Virat Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket will remain unmatched for years to come.
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