New Delhi, May 12 — Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket history that spanned over 14 years. The 36-year-old, who had previously stepped away from T20 internationals, will now focus solely on One Day Internationals (ODIs).
As per agency report, Kohli made the announcement via his social media account on Monday, expressing gratitude for the journey he had in the longest format of the game. His retirement brings the curtain down on a glittering red-ball career that saw him play 123 Test matches, score 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, and notch up 30 centuries including seven double tons — the most by any Indian batter.
Kohli, known for his intense passion and commitment to Test cricket during the dominance of T20 leagues, played a pivotal role in promoting the traditional format globally. His leadership and performance helped India become the top-ranked Test team, including scripting a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2018–19.
The decision, while not entirely unexpected, comes after speculation surrounding his Test future grew following a modest run during the recent Australian tour. Kohli’s final Test series saw him register just one century and miss the 10,000-run milestone, a target once deemed inevitable for the prolific right-hander.
In his farewell note, Kohli reflected on his journey, calling his time in whites a deeply personal experience filled with challenges, growth, and invaluable lessons. He emphasized that while walking away from the format wasn’t easy, it felt like the right decision. He said that wearing the Indian Test cap for the first time 14 years ago marked the beginning of a journey that shaped his career and life.
Kohli's influence on the format extended beyond numbers. His aggressive style, reminiscent of West Indian great Sir Vivian Richards, captivated audiences and kept the flame of Test cricket alive amid the rise of T20 leagues. Despite mellowing in recent years, his charisma continued to draw fans to stadiums and television screens alike.
With Kohli’s departure, Indian Test cricket bids farewell to another stalwart following the recent retirements of captain Rohit Sharma and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Kohli, however, is expected to continue in the ODI format at least until the 2027 World Cup. His recent performances, including a century against Pakistan and a crucial 84 against Australia during the Champions Trophy, reaffirmed his enduring value in the 50-over game.
Throughout his career, Kohli delivered some of his best Test performances between 2016 and 2018, averaging over 75 in consecutive years and scoring nearly half of his centuries during this period. His leadership tenure ended in 2022 after a series loss in South Africa, following which he stepped down citing the mental toll of captaincy.
Tributes poured in from all quarters. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) praised Kohli's unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket, stating that his legacy will endure. The board acknowledged the impact of his achievements and his pivotal role in shaping Indian cricket’s modern era.
Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a golden era. It also highlights the challenges traditional cricket faces in the modern era, as even its staunchest advocates begin to step aside, leaving behind records, memories, and a rich legacy for the next generation.
