Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, just before India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England.
The 36-year-old made the announcement on Instagram, saying goodbye to a 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. Kohli is India’s fourth highest Test run-scorer, behind only cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
This news comes shortly after India’s captain Rohit Sharma also announced his Test retirement. Kohli didn’t say anything about his One Day International (ODI) career, but Rohit confirmed he will continue playing in the 50-over format.
Read More: BCCI Plans IPL 2025 Restart: Full Update on Dates & Venues
Kohli had already retired from T20 Internationals after India won the T20 World Cup last year. Both he and Rohit may return to action later this year during India’s three-match ODI series in Australia.
In his retirement note, Kohli wrote:
“It’s been 14 years since I first played Test cricket. I never imagined this journey. It has challenged me, shaped me, and taught me so much.
Playing in whites is very special. The long days, the tough moments – they stay with you forever.
This decision wasn’t easy, but it feels right.
I’ve given my all, and I’ve received so much in return.
I’m stepping away with a heart full of gratitude for the game, my teammates, and all the fans.”
Kohli played his final Test in January against Australia in Sydney, where India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he had a strong start to that series, scoring an unbeaten 100 in the first Test alongside young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies in Jamaica at the age of 22. He scored his first Test century later that year in Australia, scoring 116 in Adelaide – the only Indian century in that series, which included greats like Tendulkar and Dravid.
His 2014-15 Test tour of Australia is remembered as one of his best performances. He scored four centuries in the series, including two in one match, and ended the tour with an impressive average of 86.50.
Read More: ECB Offers to Host Remaining IPL 2025 Matches in England For India-Pakistan Tensions
He scored 7 Test hundreds in Australia – more than any other Indian player – and ranks just behind England greats Jack Hobbs (9) and Wally Hammond (7) for the most centuries by a visiting player in Australia.
As India’s Test captain from 2014 to 2022, Kohli led the team to 40 wins in 68 matches – making him the most successful Indian Test captain ever. He is also the fourth most successful Test captain in the world, after Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.
Kohli finishes his Test career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 from 123 matches.
