Kohli Calls It Quits: Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket

​Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year career in the format. The 36-year-old made the announcement via Instagram on Monday morning, expressing deep gratitude for the journey and experiences the format provided. Kohli stated, "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". Kohli debuted in 2011 and went on to play 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As captain from 2014 to 2022, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories—the most by any Indian Test captain . Notably, under his leadership, India achieved their first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour .​ His retirement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket, signaling a significant transition for the Indian team. With the upcoming five-match Test series in England starting June 20, the team faces the challenge of rebuilding its leadership and batting lineup .​ Kohli's departure marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His passion, consistency, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring countless fans and aspiring cricketers worldwide.​ ​Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year career in the format. The 36-year-old made the announcement via a heartfelt social media post on Monday, May 12, 2025, just over a month before India's scheduled five-match Test series in England. Kohli debuted in Tests in 2011 and went on to play 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history. His leadership was instrumental in India's rise in the format, including landmark series wins in Australia and consistent performances that took India to the finals of the World Test Championship in 2021 and 2023. In his retirement statement, Kohli reflected on his journey:​ “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.”​ “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.” Kohli's retirement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma's decision to step away from Test cricket, signaling a significant transition period for the Indian Test team. With other senior players like R Ashwin also having retired recently, the team is poised for a new era under emerging leaders, with Shubman Gill being a frontrunner for the captaincy. ​ While Kohli has stepped away from the longest format, he is expected to continue contributing to Indian cricket in limited-overs formats, particularly One-Day Internationals. His departure from Tests marks the end of an era characterized by aggressive leadership, fitness excellence, and a passionate commitment to the red-ball game.