On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket fans woke up to monumental news: Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of modern Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on his 14-year journey in the longest format. “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 wrote. His decision, made ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, marks the end of an era for Indian cricket.
Kohli’s retirement comes at a time when his form had been under scrutiny, with his last Test century scored in November 2024 in Perth, his first since July 2023. Despite a recent batting average of 32.56 over the past 24 months, the team management valued his experience for the England tour. Yet, Kohli felt the time was right to step away, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations.
Virat Kohli’s Test Cricket Journey
Career Overview
Virat Kohli made his Test debut on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Over the next 14 years, he became one of the most prolific batsmen in Test cricket, playing 123 matches and scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His career statistics are a testament to his consistency and skill:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches | 123 |
| Innings | 210 |
| Runs | 9,230 |
| Average | 46.85 |
| Centuries | 30 |
| Half-Centuries | 31 |
| Highest Score | 254* |
| Fours | 1,027 |
| Sixes | 30 |
| Catches | 121 |
Kohli’s highest score of 254 not out came against South Africa in Pune in 2019, a defining innings that showcased his ability to dominate attacks. He also contributed as a fielder, taking 121 catches, though his occasional bowling yielded no wickets in 175 balls bowled.
Captaincy Record
Kohli took over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014 and led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, making him India’s most successful Test captain and the fourth most successful globally, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41). His win percentage of 58.82% surpasses other Indian greats like Sourav Ganguly (21 wins in 49 Tests) and Dhoni (27 wins in 60 Tests).
Highlights of Kohli’s Test Career
Memorable Performances
Kohli’s Test career is studded with iconic innings and series-defining contributions. One of his standout performances came during the 2014-15 Australia tour, where he scored twin centuries (115 and 141) in Adelaide, nearly chasing down a mammoth target. His 692 runs in that series at an average of 86.50 set the stage for his future dominance.
The 2018-19 Australia tour was a historic milestone, as Kohli led India to their first-ever Test series win Down Under, triumphing 2-1. His 282 runs, including a century in Perth, were pivotal. Another highlight was his 149 at Edgbaston in 2018, a gritty knock that kept India competitive despite a series loss to England.
Kohli’s golden period came between 2016 and 2018, when he scored 3,596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59, including 14 centuries and 8 half-centuries. During this time, he became the first batter to score double centuries in four consecutive Test series, a feat unmatched in Test cricket history. His seven double centuries, the most by any Indian batter, include scores like 200 against West Indies in 2016 and 243 against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Global Dominance
Kohli’s ability to score runs across conditions is remarkable. He scored Test centuries in and against every Test-playing nation except Bangladesh, showcasing his adaptability. His 583 runs at an average of 59.30 in England in 2018, including two centuries, underlined his prowess in challenging conditions. In 2016 and 2017, he became the only batter to score over 1,000 Test runs at an average above 75 in two consecutive calendar years, cementing his status as a modern great.
Impact on Indian Cricket
Kohli’s influence transcends statistics. He revolutionized Indian cricket by prioritizing fitness, setting new standards that transformed the team’s approach to Test cricket. His mantra of “fitness first” inspired younger players to match his intensity, making India a fitter, more competitive side.
As a captain, Kohli instilled an aggressive mindset, encouraging his bowlers to attack and often sacrificing a batsman for extra bowling depth. This approach led to India’s prolonged stint at the top of the ICC Test rankings and historic overseas victories, including series wins in Australia and competitive performances in England and South Africa. His leadership style, marked by passion and intensity, inspired a generation of cricketers to embrace Test cricket’s challenges.
Kohli’s commitment to the longest format also elevated its prestige in an era dominated by T20 leagues. His performances in high-pressure situations, like his 141 in Adelaide or 149 in Edgbaston, showcased Test cricket’s enduring appeal, earning him the moniker “King Kohli” among fans.
The Decision to Retire
Kohli’s retirement decision was not unexpected, as he had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intentions a month prior. His recent form had been a topic of discussion, with his batting average dropping to 32.56 over the last two years, a stark contrast to his peak average of 55.10 in 2019. His final series in Australia in 2024-25 was challenging, prompting questions about his place in the side.
Despite these struggles, the team management and selectors believed his experience would be crucial for the England tour, especially under a new captain, likely Shubman Gill, following Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement earlier that week. However, Kohli, known for his self-awareness, chose to step away, stating, “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” (BBC Sport).
The timing of his retirement aligns with a transitional phase for Indian cricket, with senior players like Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin also retiring recently. Kohli’s decision to focus on One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he continues to play, suggests a strategic shift to prolong his career in white-ball formats.
Reactions from the Cricketing World
Kohli’s retirement has sparked an outpouring of tributes from players, fans, and experts. Sachin Tendulkar shared a touching anecdote, recalling how Kohli offered to gift him a thread from his late father during Tendulkar’s final Test in 2013, a gesture that left a lasting impression. “It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since,” Tendulkar wrote on X.
Former South African captain AB de Villiers hailed Kohli as a “modern-day GIANT,” praising his ambassadorship for Test cricket. “Can’t believe you are done. You were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained,” de Villiers posted on X. Other cricketers, including Suresh Raina and Sanjay Manjrekar, echoed similar sentiments, with Raina calling him “a man with a lion’s passion”.
The cricketing community lauded Kohli’s role in redefining Test cricket’s standards, with one comment noting, “You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard”. These tributes reflect the universal respect Kohli commands for his contributions to the game.
Kohli’s Legacy in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli’s Test career is a story of resilience, excellence, and transformation. His 9,230 runs place him fourth among India’s all-time Test run-scorers, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His 30 centuries, including 20 as captain, are the most by an Indian skipper, surpassing Gavaskar’s 11 (ICC Cricket).
Kohli’s legacy extends beyond numbers. He made Test cricket aspirational, proving that passion and discipline could conquer the format’s toughest challenges. His leadership turned India into a Test powerhouse, capable of winning anywhere in the world. The 2016-17 home season, where India won series against New Zealand, England, Bangladesh, and Australia, exemplified his dominance as a captain and batsman.
As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, his impact will endure. He leaves a team in transition, with young talents like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer ready to carry the baton. His focus on leaving the game in a better place, as he noted after the 2025 Champions Trophy, reflects his commitment to Indian cricket’s future.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket closes a chapter that redefined Indian cricket. His journey from a fiery debutant to a transformative captain and batting legend is a testament to his dedication and talent. While fans will miss his presence in whites, his legacy will continue to inspire cricketers and fans worldwide. As he wrote, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites” — and for Kohli, those moments will remain etched in cricket’s history forever.
Key Citations:
- Virat Kohli retires from Tests, marks end of an era
- Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket | ESPNcricinfo
- Virat Kohli retirement: India great ends 14-year Test career
- India’s Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
- Virat Kohli Profile – Cricket Player India | Stats
- Virat Kohli informs BCCI he wants to retire from Tests
- Virat Kohli Retirement: Virat Kohli announces Test retirement
- Virat Kohli Test Retirement: Virat Kohli Retires From Test
- Era over as Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
- Virat Kohli retires from Tests – social media reactions
- Virat Kohli: ‘A Man With Lion’s Passion’ – Reactions
- ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final: Virat Kohli shuts down
