New Dehli May 12 (KNS): Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 14-year career in the game’s longest and most demanding format. The 36-year-old confirmed the decision through an emotional statement on his official Instagram account.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. This journey tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed deep affection for the format’s quiet grind and unforgettable moments.
Kohli acknowledged that stepping away wasn’t an easy choice but felt it was the right time. “I’ve given everything I had to this format, and it’s given me back far more than I could’ve hoped for. I walk away with immense gratitude — for the game, my teammates, and the countless fans who supported me throughout,” he added.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career Highlights:
Test Debut: June 20, 2011, vs West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica
Last Test: January 3, 2025, vs Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Matches Played: 123
Innings: 211
Runs Scored: 9,230
Batting Average: 46.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel85
Centuries: 30
Half-Centuries: 31
Highest Score: 254* vs South Africa, Pune (2019)
Catches: 110
Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, following the legendary trio of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
According to reports, Kohli informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision on Saturday, May 11. While senior officials encouraged him to reconsider, Kohli remained firm in his choice.
His retirement closely follows that of fellow senior batter Rohit Sharma, who stepped away from Test cricket on May 7. Both veterans had challenging outings in the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and briefly returned to domestic cricket before deciding to conclude their red-ball careers ahead of India’s upcoming Test series in England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
Virat Kohli leaves behind a celebrated legacy in Test cricket — one marked by passion, resilience, and world-class performances, inspiring generations to come. (KNS)