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Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year journey. During this period, the former captain made an indelible mark with 123 Tests and 9,230 runs, leaving a legacy unmatched in Indian cricket.
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Kohli reflected on his Test career, describing the format as deeply personal and transformative.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue. Test cricket tested, shaped, and taught me lessons that I’ll carry forever,” Kohli said on Monday morning. “Playing in whites brought out the grind, the unseen moments that stay with you for life.”
Acknowledging that stepping away was not an easy decision, Kohli emphasized that he had given his all to Test cricket and would depart with a heart full of gratitude. His statement underlined the profound emotional connection he had with the traditional format of the game.
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Reports from ESPNcricinfo had already hinted at the Virat Kohli Test retirement ahead of India’s major five-match series against England beginning June 20. Kohli had been discussing his future with BCCI officials for over a month, culminating in this announcement.
Career Highlights and the Legacy of India’s Greatest Test Captain
Virat Kohli’s Test journey began with a modest debut against the West Indies in 2011, where he scored 4 and 15. However, he soon found his footing, with pivotal knocks at home against the West Indies and a breakthrough series in Australia in 2014-15. Kohli amassed 692 runs on that Australian tour, including twin centuries in Adelaide, marking his arrival as a world-class Test batter.
As captain, Kohli led India to 40 wins in 68 Tests — making him India’s most successful Test captain, ahead of legends like MS Dhoni (27 wins) and Sourav Ganguly (21 wins). Globally, he stands fourth behind Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh in terms of Test wins.
The tour of England in 2018 was another shining chapter in Kohli’s career. Overcoming previous struggles in English conditions, he finished as the series’ leading run-scorer with 583 runs at an average of 59.30. That year, Kohli scored 1322 runs — his highest in a calendar year in Test cricket.
Between 2016 and 2018, he averaged a staggering 66.59, scoring 3596 runs in 35 Tests with 14 centuries and 8 fifties. His peak years saw averages of 75.93 (2016), 75.64 (2017), and 55.08 (2018), solidifying his place among the modern greats.
The Changing Landscape of Indian Test Cricket
Kohli’s departure comes during a transitional phase for Indian Test cricket. Rohit Sharma, another cornerstone of the team, also announced his retirement earlier this week, leaving a leadership vacuum. Shubman Gill is reportedly the frontrunner to assume the Test captaincy.
With senior players like R Ashwin having retired, and veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane currently out of the team, only a few KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah, remain from the golden generation that led India to back-to-back World Test Championship finals, the first under Kohli’s leadership.
Both Kohli and Rohit were recently included in BCCI’s A+ contract category, designated for players participating across all formats. However, after their T20I retirements post-World Cup 2024 triumph, they are now available only for ODIs.
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement marks the end of an era, one defined by grit, unmatched passion, and leadership that transformed Indian Test cricket into a global force.
