Virat Kohli, the pillar of India’s Test batting strength for more than a decade, caught fans and pundits by surprise on Monday morning when he declared his Test retirement. In an Instagram post, the erstwhile India captain looked back on his 14-year whites career, posting, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Genuinely, I never thought the ride this format would take me on. It’s pushed me, molded me, and learned me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
In a sentimental tweet, Virat Kohli highlighted the emotional richness the format has. “There’s something intensely 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 move away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right.”
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He wrapped up with a words of appreciation, saying, “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.”
A Glittering Test Career Comes to an End
Kohli’s career numbers are as iconic as his on-field presence. He played 123 Tests for India, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. With 30 centuries and 31 fifties, Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
He also led India in 68 Tests, penning a golden page in the history of Indian cricket. Kohli guided India to a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory in Australia in 2018-19 and cemented India’s dominance at home with series victories over top teams like South Africa, England, and Australia.
Even though he resigned from captaincy in 2022, his contribution to India’s red-ball resurgence will always be remembered.
Tributes Flow In Across the Cricketing World
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also initiated the tributes, issuing the following message on X: “????? ???, ????? ?????! An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished”
????? ???, ????? ?????! ?
An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! ??@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.
His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! ? ? pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
Former Indian cricketers had a combination of shock and pride. Wasim Jaffer posted, “I feel he had at least 3 more years in him, but his choice must be respected. Test cricket was never dull with Virat in. His presence alone attracted millions of eyeballs.”
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Sanjay Manjrekar, often critical of Kohli’s struggles in English conditions, also acknowledged his stature. “The biggest brand of the modern cricket era, who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli,” he posted.
Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli. ???
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 12, 2025
Kevin Pietersen, too, reacted with disbelief, dropping several shocked emojis on X with a simple “Virat.”
Virat?!?! ????????
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) May 12, 2025
End of an Era, But the Impact Endures
Despite criticism and controversy, Kohli’s love for Test cricket never waned. His passion, aggression, and relentless pursuit of excellence made him a fan favorite and a respected opponent globally. As the face of a new era of Indian Test cricket, he instilled a fierce attitude in the squad, focusing on fitness, intensity, and consistency.
Though most feel he had a few more years to go, Kohli departs on his own terms—a commendable move in an era where most stick around too long.
Test cricket will miss his vigor, iconic celebrations, and never-say-die attitude to win. But as Kohli aptly put it, “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”
