Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket marking the end of an incredible career that spread over 14 years. In an emotional post on Instagram, the 36-year-old revealed his exit from Tests as he looked back at a career that saw him score 9,230 runs in 123 matches averaging 46.85 with 30 hundreds and 31 fifties.

Kohli, who first stepped onto the Test stage against the West Indies in 2011, said the choice was tough but felt right. "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," he wrote. "As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. #269, signing off."

As India’s former captain, Kohli was a game-changer, leading the team to 40 wins in 68 Tests—making him India’s most successful Test skipper. His time at the helm brought iconic series victories in Australia and saw India climb to the top of the ICC Test rankings. With 30 Test centuries, he’s fourth among Indian batters, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Plus, his seven double centuries are an Indian record.

Word is, Kohli told the BCCI about his decision before India’s upcoming five-Test series in England. Even though some tried to change his mind, he stood firm. This comes right after his teammate Rohit Sharma also retired from Tests, signaling a big shift for Indian cricket.

Fans and former teammates like Harbhajan Singh and Suresh Raina have been sharing their love and sadness, with a few wondering why now. Having already stepped back from T20 Internationals, Kohli will keep playing One-Day Internationals. As tributes roll in, one thing’s clear: Kohli’s legacy as one of India’s greatest Test players and leaders will live on.