INVC NEWS Mumbai – The cricket world has been struck with immense shock and sorrow as Virat Kohli, one of India’s most iconic and legendary cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket. Known for his unwavering commitment, passion, and excellence on the field, Kohli made the surprise announcement via a heartfelt post on his official Instagram account , marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
A Career That Left an Unforgettable Legacy
Virat Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a total of 123 Tests, Kohli amassed an impressive 9230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.85. His performance includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, alongside 1027 fours and 30 sixes. His journey in Test cricket, which started 14 years ago, has captivated cricket fans worldwide, earning him a place among the greats of the game.
Through his leadership and aggressive batting style, Kohli not only reshaped Indian Test cricket but also etched his name in cricketing history with numerous memorable performances.
Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Goodbye
In his Instagram post, Kohli shared an emotional reflection on his journey in Test cricket. “I wore the baggy blue jersey for the first time in Test cricket 14 years ago,” Kohli began, expressing his gratitude for the opportunities the format provided. He admitted that he never imagined his journey would unfold the way it did, with Test cricket becoming an integral part of his life.
Kohli’s post continued, “It tested me, gave me recognition, and taught me lessons that I will carry with me for a lifetime.” He went on to describe his experience of playing in a white jersey as a deeply personal and special journey, one that involved countless hours of hard work, unseen moments, and unwavering determination.
While the decision to retire from Test cricket was a difficult one, Kohli emphasized that it felt like the right time to step away. “I have given my all in it and it has given me more than I expected. I am grateful to the game, to the people playing on the field, and to everyone who took me forward in this journey,” Kohli wrote, signing off with his jersey number 269.
Kohli’s Future in ODI Cricket
While the announcement of his retirement from Test cricket has left fans heartbroken, Kohli is not completely stepping away from the game. The cricketing legend will continue to represent India in ODI cricket. Having already retired from T20 Internationals after India’s victorious T20 World Cup campaign in 2024, Kohli will now focus solely on the One Day International (ODI) format, where he has been a dominant force throughout his career.
Kohli’s Impressive Stats in International Cricket
Apart from his Test cricket records, Kohli’s remarkable statistics in T20 Internationals and ODIs further solidify his place in cricketing history:
T20 Internationals: 4188 runs in 125 matches at an average of 48.7 and a strike rate of 137.05.
ODIs: 14181 runs in 302 matches at an average of 57.88 and a strike rate of 93.35, which includes 51 centuries and 74 half-centuries.
Kohli’s dominance across all formats has made him one of the most complete cricketers of this era, with his consistency and ability to perform under pressure standing out time and again.
A Captain Who Revolutionized Indian Cricket
Virat Kohli has not only been an exceptional player but also an influential captain. He first took over as India’s Test captain in 2014 after MS Dhoni’s retirement and led the team to unprecedented heights. Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved significant success in Test cricket, including victories in tough tours of Australia, Sri Lanka, and West Indies. However, Kohli was stripped of his T20 and ODI captaincy in 2021, focusing solely on leading India in Tests.
Kohli made his Test debut on June 20, 2011, against the West Indies at Sabina Park, and his final Test was played earlier this year, in Sydney against Australia.
A Rocky Patch: Recent Performances
Kohli’s recent form had been a topic of concern, as he struggled to replicate his usual standards in the last few Test series. Against New Zealand and Australia, Kohli’s performances were not up to his legendary standards. In the 2024 New Zealand series, Kohli scored just 93 runs in six innings over three matches, averaging 15.50. Similarly, during the Australia tour, he accumulated 190 runs in nine innings across five matches, with just one century to his name.
Despite these challenges, Kohli’s legacy as one of the greatest Indian cricketers remains intact. His contributions to the Indian team, both as a player and as a leader, have been immense.
The Impact of Kohli’s Retirement on Indian Cricket
The timing of Kohli’s retirement, following Rohit Sharma’s sudden decision to step down from Test cricket just days earlier, has sent shockwaves through Indian cricket. With the England tour approaching next month, these retirements mark the end of an era for India’s Test cricket team. Fans are left to reflect on the immense contribution of these two legends, who have taken Indian cricket to unparalleled heights over the last decade.
As India prepares to take on England in a five-match Test series in June 2025, the team will have to adapt to this major change, and new leaders and players will have to step up to carry the legacy of Kohli and Rohit.
A Tribute to Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the conclusion of a glorious chapter in Indian cricket. His name will forever be associated with India’s cricketing success and his commitment to excellence will continue to inspire generations of cricketers. As he takes a step back from the longest format of the game, Kohli’s legacy will remain etched in the hearts of millions of fans across the globe.
Kohli may have signed off from Test cricket, but his story is far from over. We will continue to witness his brilliance in ODI cricket and his relentless pursuit of excellence on the field.
