A profound moment for cricket enthusiasts, Kohli's retirement brings a close to a remarkable journey spanning over a decade, where he amassed over 9,200 runs.
Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, Marking a Historic Chapter's End
Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, Marking a Historic Chapter's End
Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli ends his illustrious Test career ahead of the England tour following captain Rohit Sharma's recent retirement.
Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, a significant decision coming just before the upcoming five-Test series against England starting on June 20. The news follows the earlier retirement of captain Rohit Sharma earlier this week.
At just 36 years of age, Kohli leaves a remarkable legacy, having played 123 Test matches for India and scored a staggering 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85. In a heartfelt statement on social media, he reflected, "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."
Kohli previously retired from T20 internationals in 2024 after India clinched the World Cup title, although he plans to continue his ODI career. Making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, he ascended to lead the Indian team in 68 matches, achieving 40 victories and becoming the country's most successful Test captain.
The cricketer conveyed a deep appreciation for the format, stating, "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."
Kohli is celebrated as one of the modern era's four batting legends, alongside Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, and boasts an impressive record of 30 Test centuries. However, his recent form has been challenging, scoring only three centuries in 39 Tests since January 2020, with his last century being a score of 100 not out against Australia in November, after a long stretch of 16 months without a Test ton.
This announcement is expected to resonate across the cricketing world, as fans and players reflect on Kohli’s impactful career in Test cricket. Updates and reactions are anticipated as the cricket community processes this consequential retirement.
