Mumbai: Indian cricket, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, ending a celebrated 14-year career in the longest format.
The decision, shared via an emotional Instagram post, comes just weeks after Rohit Sharma’s exit from the format, and ahead of India’s high-stakes five-Test series in England this June.
Kohli, 36, bows out with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He debuted in 2011 against the West Indies in Kingston, but it was his gritty century in Adelaide later that year that established his Test credentials.
“Test cricket tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” wrote Kohli. “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude.”
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌
An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.
His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
Despite the BCCI urging him to reconsider, Kohli stood firm, following through on his earlier communication with the board. His decision, like Rohit’s, also comes amid scrutiny over recent performances, notably during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Kohli, who had retired from T20Is post the 2024 World Cup, will continue playing ODIs. Indian selectors are set to meet soon to finalise the squad for the England tour.
