Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding an illustrious 14-year career in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old made the announcement via a heartfelt social media post on Monday, May 12, 2025, stating, “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right.”
In his retirement announcement, Kohli reflected on his journey: “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.” He added, “I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.” The #269 signifies his cap number as the 269th player to represent India in Test cricket.
Kohli’s decision came just days after Rohit Sharma also stepped down from Test cricket, marking a significant transition for Indian cricket. India is scheduled to tour England for a five-Test series starting June 20, and the team will now need to select a new captain and reshape its batting order.
Virat Kohli’s full statement on Test retirement
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
A Stellar Test Career:
Matches: 123
Runs: 9,230
Centuries: 30
Half-centuries: 31
Batting Average: 46.85
Highest Score: 254 not out (vs South Africa, 2019)
Most Test double centuries for India: 7
Reactions from the Cricket World:
The announcement was met with a flood of tributes from former and current players, cricket boards, and fans worldwide. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) thanked Kohli for his immense contributions, with BCCI President Roger Binny stating, “Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket.” Figures like Shubman Gill, AB de Villiers, Harbhajan Singh, and many others praised his commitment, intensity, and the legacy he leaves behind in Test cricket.
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly became a mainstay in the Indian batting lineup, especially after Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013. He finishes his Test career as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Captaincy Legacy:
Kohli also had a highly successful tenure as India’s Test captain, leading the side in 68 matches and securing 40 wins, making him India’s most successful Test captain. He guided India to the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket and oversaw a historic first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19. His captaincy was characterised by aggression, a strong emphasis on fitness, and a belief in an attacking brand of cricket, particularly with a potent fast-bowling attack.
Kohli is expected to continue playing One Day International (ODI) cricket for India and remains heavily involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has already retired from T20 Internationals. Outside of cricket, Kohli has a growing business empire and numerous endorsement deals.
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