Virat Kohli has announced today that he is retiring from Test cricket. . He shared the news officially through a statement on social media, marking the end of a 14-year-long Test career.
In his post, Kohli said it has been 14 years since he started playing Test cricket and added that the format has taught him valuable lessons. He mentioned that playing in whites has always felt personal and that it was not easy to step away, but he believed it was the right time.
Before the five-match Test series in England begins on June 20, 2025, Virat Kohli told the BCCI that he has decided to retire. This news comes soon after Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin also retired from Test cricket.
Kohli’s Test Career and Records:
Played 123 Test matches
Scored 9,230 runs
Batting average: 46.85
30 centuries
As captain, Virat kohli led India in 68 matches and won 40
Under his captaincy, India achieved several overseas Test victories and became a dominant team in the format.
Reason Behind the Retirement:
Sources suggest Kohli’s decision was influenced by his recent performance, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he averaged 23.75 in five matches. Over the last five years, he scored 1,990 runs in 37 Tests, indicating a decline in form.
The BCCI and team management reportedly tried to convince Kohli to continue, pointing out his experience would be valuable for a young team and a possible new captain, likely Shubman Gill. Despite these efforts, Kohli decided to retire.
Reactions:
Several former cricketers, including Ambati Rayudu, Brian Lara, and Navjot Singh Sidhu, urged Kohli to continue playing Tests.
What’s Next for Indian Test Team:
With Kohli’s retirement, the Indian Test team will now rely on young players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with experienced players like KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant.