Virat Kohli announced retirement from Test cricket, and it has made headlines across the world. This decision marks the end of a shining 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. Kohli shared the news with fans through a heartfelt note on his Virat Kohli social media accounts, saying, “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right.”
Virat Kohli Announced Retirement from Test Cricket:
The news that Virat Kohli announced retirement from Test cricket has surprised many fans, young and old. Known for his passion, energy, and unmatched skill, Kohli played 123 Test matches and scored 9230 runs. He also captained India in 68 of those matches, making him the most successful Test captain in India’s history with 40 wins.
In his farewell message, which he posted on Virat Kohli social media, he shared deep emotions about this big step. He said Test cricket had tested him and taught him life lessons. “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites,” he wrote. That simple line showed how much Test cricket meant to him.
Virat Kohli announced retirement just before a big series against England. He had spoken with the BCCI about it ahead of time. Many people expected him to play in that series, but Kohli felt it was the right time to step away. Even though his recent form was not as strong as before, his experience was still valuable to the team.
Over the last two years, Kohli’s batting average had dropped. His last century in Test cricket came in November 2024 in Perth. Before that, he had scored one in July 2023 against West Indies. Still, his overall contribution to Indian cricket remains incredible.
Kohli’s journey in Test cricket started back in 2011, when he played his first match in the West Indies. In the beginning, he didn’t score many runs, but he quickly showed his talent. One of his early memorable moments came in Australia in 2012, where he scored his first Test century.
Later, during the 2014-15 tour of Australia, he was made captain after MS Dhoni stepped down. From there, his captaincy record became something Indian fans will always remember. Under him, India became a powerful Test team, known for its fight and fearless attitude.
Virat Kohli announced retirement at a time when Indian cricket is going through change. Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin have also stepped away from Tests recently. With young players like Shubman Gill likely to take over as captain, Indian Test cricket is entering a new era.
Even after Virat Kohli announced retirement from Tests, he will still play ODIs. He and Rohit Sharma had already retired from T20Is after India won the World Cup last year. That means we will still see Kohli in action on the cricket field.
His best years in Test cricket were from 2016 to 2019. During that time, he scored runs almost every time he batted. He made 14 centuries in just three years. In 2018, he was the top scorer in the England series, proving how much he had grown as a player.
For young fans reading this, Virat Kohli’s retirement doesn’t mean he is gone from the sport. He will still be part of Indian cricket, and his journey can inspire kids to work hard, stay focused, and never give up.
Kohli will always be remembered not just for his runs, but for his fire, his fight, and his love for Test cricket. As he said in his goodbye note, “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude.” And fans everywhere are thanking him right back.
