By Zainab Shafiq 
Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket – a sentence that has rocked the cricketing world and left millions reflecting on an era defined by passion, intensity, and class. In a heartfelt post on Monday, Kohli announced the end of his 14-year Test journey, a career that not only elevated Indian cricket but reshaped how the format was perceived in the modern age.
From his debut in 2011 in the Caribbean to his final act in the whites, Kohli’s story has been one of resilience and ambition. With 123 Tests under his belt, 68 as captain, and 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, his impact extends beyond stats. Kohli led India with unmatched aggression, turning the team into a dominant force at home and fiercely competitive overseas.
Taking the reins after MS Dhoni’s retirement in 2014, Kohli built a team known for fitness, pace, and self-belief. His captaincy saw India register 40 wins, making him the country’s most successful Test leader. Under him, India reached two consecutive World Test Championship finals and conquered territories long deemed challenging, including a historic series win in Australia.
But Kohli’s decision to walk away wasn’t sudden. Sources reveal he had been in quiet discussions with BCCI for weeks, choosing to retire just ahead of a crucial England series. With Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, and others also stepping aside, Indian Test cricket is entering a new era, and Kohli’s absence will be deeply felt.
Farewell to the Format He Revered, Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket
In his goodbye note, Kohli wrote of the “quiet grind” and “small moments” of Test cricket – sentiments that show how personally he viewed the red-ball game. Despite a dip in form recently, his legacy remains untouched. Whether it was his fightback after a dismal 2014 England tour or the peak years between 2016-2018, when he averaged nearly 67, Kohli’s love for the format never wavered.
Also, see:
Rohit Sharma Retires from Test Cricket, India to Name New Captain After IPL 2025