Indian cricket star Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, 2025, bringing an end to a glorious 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The announcement came through his Instagram account, where he posted a heartfelt message to his fans and the cricketing community.
Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket
Kohli’s Farewell Message
In his emotional Instagram post, Kohli reflected on his Test cricket 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.
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.
#269, signing off.”
End of an Era
Kohli’s retirement comes just days after former captain Rohit Sharma also announced his exit from Test cricket. This marks the end of an era for Indian cricket, with two of its biggest stars stepping away from the longest format within a short span of time. The 36-year-old’s decision comes ahead of India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England that begins next month.
Reports suggest that Kohli had been contemplating this decision since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year, where he struggled after scoring a century in the first Test. Though the BCCI reportedly asked him to reconsider his decision given the crucial England tour, Kohli appears to have made his final call.
Stellar Test Career Statistics
- Virat Kohli leaves behind an impressive legacy in Test cricket:
- Played 123 Test matches since his debut in 2011
- Scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85
- Hit 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries
- Highest score of 254* against South Africa in 2019
- Scored 7 double centuries in his Test career
- Captained India in 68 Tests with 40 wins and 17 losses
- Most successful Test captain in Indian cricket history
- Averaged an impressive 66.59 between 2016-2018, scoring 3,596 runs in 35 Tests with 14 centuries
- Performed exceptionally in Australia, particularly in 2014-15 when he scored 692 runs at an average of 86.50
- Scored 1,096 runs in 17 Tests in England, including two centuries in 2018
Golden Period and Legacy
Kohli’s peak performance came between 2016 and 2019 when his batting average soared above 55. During this golden run, he averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, 55.08 in 2018, and 68.00 in 2019. His aggressive leadership transformed India into a dominant Test side both at home and overseas.
Although his form had declined in recent years, averaging 32.56 in the last 24 months, Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket remains immeasurable. He played a pivotal role in India’s rise to the top of Test rankings and led the team to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship.
As “#269” signs off from Test cricket, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, aggression, and an unwavering commitment to the longest format of the game that inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike.