NEW DELHI, May 12: In a heartfelt announcement that stirred emotions across the cricketing world, India’s batting legend Virat Kohli on Monday officially declared his retirement from Test #cricket, drawing the curtains on a glorious era that redefined the nation’s presence in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old cricketer confirmed his decision through an emotional note on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the journey and the memories built over more than a decade.
Kohli, who has been a pillar of India’s batting lineup since his Test debut in 2011, represented the country in 123 Test matches, amassing a remarkable 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. His aggressive leadership, unmatched fitness, and passion for red-ball cricket made him one of the most celebrated captains and batters in modern-day Test cricket.
“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 stated in his farewell message. “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,” he added, reflecting on the emotional weight of his decision.
Kohli’s retirement comes in the wake of similar announcements by fellow Indian stalwarts. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin stepped down from Test cricket in December last year, and captain Rohit Sharma followed suit just last week. Their exits signal the end of an iconic era and the beginning of a generational shift in India’s Test setup.
Having already retired from T20 Internationals in 2024, Kohli will now focus solely on One Day Internationals (ODIs), where he remains a vital force for Team India. His decision to step away from Tests is seen as a strategic move to manage workload and prolong his career in the limited-overs formats.
As tributes pour in from cricketers, fans, and sports personalities across the globe, Kohli’s Test career will be remembered not just for the runs and records, but for the passion, resilience, and pride he brought every time he wore the whites.