Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year journey in the sport’s most demanding format.
The 35-year-old made the announcement in a heartfelt Instagram post late Monday, just months after stepping away from T20 internationals following India’s triumphant 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli wrote. “Honestly, I never imagined where this journey would take me. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
Known for his fiery passion and unwavering dedication, Kohli admitted the decision wasn’t an easy one. “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites—the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees. As I step away, it’s not easy, but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had.”
With his trademark grit, Kohli signed off with gratitude. “I’m walking away with a heart full of thanks—for the game, for my teammates, and for everyone who stood by me. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
Over the course of 123 Test matches, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, notching up 29 centuries and 30 fifties. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests and turned the team into a formidable force, topping the ICC rankings and reaching the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021.
Kohli leaves the captaincy ranks as one of the most successful leaders in Test history. With 40 victories under his belt, he stands fourth globally in terms of most wins by a Test captain—behind Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41).
Fans, fellow cricketers, and sports icons around the world have been pouring in tributes, celebrating not just Kohli’s achievements, but the passion and pride with which he represented India in the red-ball game.
As the cricketing world takes in the news, one thing is certain: Test cricket won’t be the same without Virat Kohli.