Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, Closing a Remarkable Chapter

Kohli's retirement marks the end of an illustrious Test career filled with remarkable achievements, and he plans to continue playing ODIs.

In a surprising announcement, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has declared his retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately. This decision arrives just ahead of the upcoming five-Test series against England, scheduled to kick off on June 20. Kohli's retirement follows closely behind the announcement of captain Rohit Sharma's decision to retire earlier this week.

Throughout his Test career, Kohli, aged 36, has appeared in 123 matches, racking up a staggering 9,230 runs with an average of 46.85. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli took to social media, sharing, "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."

Having made his Test debut against West Indies in 2011, Kohli has not only been a dynamic player but also a successful captain, leading India in 68 Tests and securing 40 victories—the most for any Indian captain in this format. Beyond statistics, Kohli shared his emotional connection to Test cricket, stating, "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."

His retirement comes after having already stepped away from T20 internationals in 2024 following India's victorious World Cup run, although he is expected to continue representing India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Kohli expressed his gratitude for his experiences in Test cricket, saying, "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."

With 30 Test centuries to his name, Kohli is considered one of the modern greats alongside the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson. However, he has faced challenges recently, with his latest century being a 100 not out against Australia in November, marking his first major score in 15 innings over a span of 16 months, leading to an average of just 30.72 during this timeframe.

As fans and cricket analysts reflect on Kohli’s remarkable legacy, the cricketing world awaits further updates on his future involvement in the game, particularly in the ODI format.