On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket entered a new chapter as Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic and influential cricketers of the modern era, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The announcement, made through a heartfelt message on social media, brought to a close a 14-year-long illustrious journey in the longest and most demanding format of the sport. Kohli’s departure from red-ball cricket marks the end of a golden era for India, coinciding closely with Rohit Sharma’s retirement earlier this year—signaling a generational shift in the Indian cricket landscape.
The Announcement
In his emotional Instagram post, Kohli wrote, “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.” He went on to emphasize the personal connection he felt with Test cricket, 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.”
Kohli’s words struck a chord with fans, teammates, and cricketing legends around the world. Tributes flooded in as the cricketing fraternity bid farewell to one of the most competitive and charismatic figures in Test cricket.
Career Summary
Virat Kohli played 123 Test matches for India between 2011 and 2025, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He notched up 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries during this period. His career included memorable innings on both home and foreign soil, and he consistently performed against top-tier opposition under pressure.
As a Test captain, Kohli led India in 68 matches from 2014 to 2022 and secured 40 victories, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history. Under his captaincy, India attained the No.1 ranking in the ICC Test rankings and reached the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and again in 2023. Although India lost both finals, Kohli’s leadership laid the foundation for a resilient and fearless Test unit.
Signature Performances and Rivalries
Kohli’s performances against Australia stand out as a hallmark of his Test career. In 30 Test matches against the Aussies, he scored 2,232 runs, including nine centuries. His confrontations with the Australian team, especially during the 2014–15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the 2018–19 series which India won in Australia for the first time, remain etched in cricketing history. Kohli never backed down from a challenge and often thrived in hostile conditions and high-pressure environments.
One of his most iconic innings came during the 2018 Perth Test, where he scored a masterful 123 on a difficult pitch. Despite India losing that match, Kohli’s technical brilliance and mental toughness stood out. Similarly, his 141 in Adelaide in 2014, while captaining India for the first time, signaled his intent to lead with aggression and courage.
Changing the Face of Indian Test Cricket
Kohli brought a renewed sense of fitness, discipline, and aggression to Indian Test cricket. His emphasis on fast bowling, athleticism, and all-format competitiveness changed how India approached Test matches, especially overseas. Prior to Kohli’s captaincy tenure, India often faltered in foreign conditions. Under his leadership, India secured Test series wins in Australia (2018–19) and drew competitive series in England and South Africa.
He demanded high fitness standards and pushed teammates to focus on endurance, strength, and consistency. This fitness culture, adopted during his tenure, transformed the Indian team into one of the most agile and sharp outfits in the world.
Leadership Legacy
While Kohli stepped down from Test captaincy in 2022, his influence persisted. He mentored a new generation of cricketers, including Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj. His competitive spirit and work ethic became a blueprint for aspiring Indian cricketers.
He also maintained a remarkable consistency as a batsman, rarely going through extended lean phases. Even after relinquishing captaincy, he continued to perform with distinction, scoring centuries in South Africa and the West Indies in 2023 and 2024 respectively. His final Test century came in February 2025 against New Zealand at Eden Gardens—a sublime 144 that showcased his trademark cover drives and tenacity.
A Thoughtful Exit
Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests just before India’s five-match Test series against England shows careful consideration. He felt it was time to allow the next generation to step up. In his retirement note, he acknowledged the emotional weight of this decision, saying, “It’s not easy, but it feels right.”
By exiting on his own terms, Kohli preserved the legacy he built and gave selectors and fans clarity ahead of one of India’s most crucial home series.
Remaining Active in Limited-Overs Cricket
Although he bids farewell to Tests, Kohli will continue to play One Day Internationals and participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His performance in the 2025 IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru remains strong, with over 500 runs in the current season. He remains an integral part of India’s white-ball plans for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and the T20 World Cup in 2026.
His continued presence in ODIs and T20s ensures that his influence on Indian cricket will not wane anytime soon.
Reaction from the Cricketing World
The cricketing community responded with admiration and emotion. Former captains like Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid praised Kohli’s contribution to Test cricket, calling him a “torchbearer for a generation.” Sachin Tendulkar referred to him as “the embodiment of modern Test cricket’s spirit,” while Steve Smith and Pat Cummins hailed him as one of their fiercest competitors.
Fans across the world trended hashtags like #ThankYouVirat and #KingKohli as a tribute to his red-ball legacy.
Conclusion: End of an Era, Start of a Legacy
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket closes a monumental chapter in the sport’s history. He entered the arena with youthful fire and exited with a legacy of excellence, transformation, and inspiration. His numbers underline greatness, but his influence goes far beyond statistics. He brought pride, passion, and relentless ambition to the Indian Test team.
As India now looks toward a future with new faces and leadership, Kohli’s impact will echo in every discipline, training session, and battle on the field. Test cricket, for all its evolving challenges, remains richer for having had a warrior like him. His whites may retire, but his aura never will.
