Virat Kohli Bids Adieu to Test Cricket – Retires as India's Fourth-Highest Test Scorer

Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

One of Indian cricket's most distinguished careers in the longest format of the game concluded today, Monday, May 12th, as batting stalwart Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old's decision, conveyed through a statement on his social media platforms, brings an end to a remarkable 14-year journey representing India in Test matches, from 2011 to 2025.

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Announces Test Retirement with Gratitude

In his announcement, Kohli reflected on his extensive career, stating, "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." He described playing in "whites" as deeply personal and acknowledged that while stepping away was not easy, "it feels right." Kohli expressed profound gratitude for the game and the support he received, affirming he would "always look back at my Test career with a smile."

His Legacy in Numbers

Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the history of Test cricket, surpassed only by Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Over his 123 Test matches, he accumulated 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85. His record includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a personal best of 254 not out against South Africa in 2019. His Test debut was against the West Indies in Jamaica in 2011, shortly after India's ODI World Cup triumph, and his final appearance was during the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year.

Decision was Tough

This announcement comes ahead of India’s scheduled five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20th, and closely follows the Test retirement of Rohit Sharma on May 7th. Both senior players had experienced a challenging tour of Australia in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. As per sources Kohli informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision on Saturday, and despite requests to reconsider, he stood by his choice. Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket signifies the end of a momentous era for Indian cricket. His contributions as a batsman and leader in the longest format will be fêted, and his departure, alongside Rohit Sharma's, marks a notable transition for the national team as they look towards future campaigns.