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Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest-ever cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old, who debuted in 2011, leaves behind a formidable legacy built over 123 Test matches, amassing 9230 runs, 30 centuries, and 31 fifties. His decision follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s unexpected exit from the red-ball format, marking a significant transitional phase for Indian cricket.
Kohli made the announcement via his official Instagram handle, a move that instantly drew emotional reactions from across the cricketing world. His retirement severs one of the strongest connections between Indian fans and the longest format of the game.
Virat Kohli’s declining form in Test cricket
Kohli’s last Test outing came during the high-stakes Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, a series that proved to be a personal struggle. Despite showcasing glimpses of brilliance with a century in Perth, the seasoned batter could only accumulate 190 runs over five matches. His form in that series drew increasing scrutiny, with growing questions over his place in the Test side. While Kohli has long been known for his hunger, intensity, and ability to perform under pressure, the Australia tour exposed a vulnerability that ultimately may have influenced his decision. For a player of his stature, exiting on his own terms perhaps seemed the most dignified path forward.
Kohli’s legacy as captain
Beyond his batting achievements, Kohli’s impact as captain was transformative. He led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins—a record for any Indian Test captain. Under his leadership, India climbed to the top of the ICC Test rankings and registered their first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil in 2018-19, a feat etched in history. Kohli’s aggressive and fitness-focused approach redefined India’s Test culture, and his departure now leaves a significant leadership and batting void. While he is expected to continue serving India in ODIs, his absence in Tests presents a major challenge for selectors and team management, who must now look to the next generation to carry forward his legacy.
Also READ: Is Virat Kohli scared? County Cricket mocks former Indian captain ahead of England Test tour
Here’s how cricket fraternity reacted:
Thank you Virat 🙏🙏
— Isa Guha (@isaguha)
Congrats to my biscotti on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17)
Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro
Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina)
Why Retired ?
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh)
Happy red ball retirement to one of the games greatest!
The example and standards you set were always of the highest order!— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1)
Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24)
I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14)
Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan)
I would have liked to see go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
An era of intensity, aggression, consistency and fitness decided to walk into the sunset, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Thanks for the wonderful service to the game. Well done , wishing you the very best post retirement.
— WV Raman (@wvraman)
All the best on your Test retirement While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07)
Congratulations on your astonishing test career
Test cricket will miss you and your aggression forever. Thanks for all the amazing memories. Best wishes for your future Virat 🇮🇳🤗— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R)
Unmatched passion, unmatched energy, and a fight that was awe-inspiring. Test cricket had a heartbeat, and it was you, .
From my debut to series wins and double hundreds, the memories created on the field will always be special. And the conversations and the time spent…
— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket)
A champion on and off the field, an absolute genius of the game. , playing with you was a sheer pleasure… It's hard to accept that the nation will miss you watching in Test cricket. You will be remembered as one of the greatest legends ever to have graced the game.…
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj)
Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli. 🙏🙏🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar)
Also READ: No Virat Kohli! India’s 18-member Test squad for England tour 2025 – Predicted
