Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket After 14 Glorious Years and 123 Matches

Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, ending a remarkable 14-year journey that saw him play 123 Tests and score 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He captained India in 68 of those matches.

“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 shared in a heartfelt statement on social media.

He reflected on the challenges and quiet moments in the format, saying, “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.”

A Difficult but Right Decision

Kohli admitted that stepping away from Test cricket wasn’t easy, but he believed it was the right time.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

Conversations with BCCI Before England Series

According to ESPNcricinfo, Kohli had informed the BCCI of his decision before the upcoming five-match England series set to begin on June 20, where he was expected to be part of the squad. Discussions regarding retirement had reportedly been ongoing for over a month.

Kohli’s recent Test form had been modest. His century in Perth in November 2024 was his first since July 2023, and his average had dipped to 32.56 over the last two years.

His peak average had been 55.10, achieved after a double century (254*) against South Africa in 2019.

End of an Era in Indian Cricket

Despite Kohli’s recent struggles, selectors and the team management had hoped to have his experience for the England tour.

With Rohit Sharma retiring earlier this week and R Ashwin stepping away last year, Indian cricket is entering a transition phase. Veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Ishant Sharma, and Umesh Yadav are no longer part of the squad, and Mohammed Shami is under scrutiny after a long injury break.

KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah are now the few remaining links to India’s golden phase under Kohli’s leadership.

Shubman Gill is expected to lead the side going forward.

Retirement from T20Is and Test Cricket

Kohli and Rohit Sharma were both retained in the top A+ category of the BCCI central contracts, typically reserved for players involved in all formats.

However, both had retired from T20Is after India won the World Cup last year. They now remain active only in ODIs.

BCCI President’s Tribute

BCCI President Roger Binny praised Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket in a public statement.

“Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket. What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game.

His leadership marked a shift in how India competed overseas — with aggression, belief, and a refusal to settle for second best. He inspired a generation to take pride in the whites, and his impact on Indian cricket will be felt for decades to come.”

From Humble Beginnings to Global Greatness

Kohli made his Test debut during the West Indies tour in 2011, where he had a quiet start. His first significant scores came later that year against West Indies in Mumbai.

During the 2011-12 Australia tour, despite India’s 4-0 loss, Kohli emerged as a standout performer with his maiden Test century in Adelaide.

His breakthrough series came in 2014-15 in Australia, where he scored twin centuries in Adelaide and finished with 692 runs at an average of 86.50.

Though MS Dhoni was India’s captain at the time, Kohli led in Dhoni’s absence during the first Test and became the full-time captain after Dhoni’s retirement following the third Test in Melbourne.

India’s Most Successful Test Captain

Under Kohli’s leadership, India won 40 of the 68 Tests, losing just 17. This makes him the most successful Indian Test captain in history. He ranks fourth globally, behind Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41).

Peak Years and Career Highlights

Kohli was India’s top scorer during the 2018 England tour with 583 runs at 59.30, redeeming himself after a poor 2014 tour. That year also marked his best in terms of aggregate with 1322 runs.

His golden run included averages of 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, 55.08 in 2018, and 68.00 in 2019. From 2016 to 2018, he amassed 3596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59, including 14 centuries and eight fifties.

Virat Kohli’s exit from Test cricket marks the end of an iconic chapter. His legacy as a batsman and leader will remain etched in Indian cricket history.