Virat Kohli Calls Time on Illustrious Test Career

Indian cricketing icon and former skipper Virat Kohli has formally declared his retirement from Test cricket. This announcement arrives shortly before the anticipated unveiling of India’s squad for the forthcoming five-match series against England.

Kohli concludes an impressive 14-year Test career, marked by 123 appearances, including captaining the side in 68 matches.

He has accumulated 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, solidifying his status as one of the premier batsmen of his era.

In a deeply personal message released on social media on Monday, Kohli reflected on his experiences in Test cricket:

Kohli’s Statement

“It’s been 14 years since I first donned the Test jersey. I never truly grasped the profound journey this format would lead me on. It has challenged me, molded me, and imparted invaluable life lessons,” Kohli stated on social media.

“Playing in whites carries a unique significance. The relentless effort, the extended periods, the subtle yet unforgettable moments that remain etched in memory,” he further expressed.

He also touched upon the emotional gravity of his choice and the significant influence the game’s lengthiest format has exerted on his life.

“As I retire from this format, it’s a difficult decision—but one that feels authentic. I committed wholeheartedly, and it has rewarded me beyond measure. I depart with immense gratitude—for the sport, my teammates, and every individual who acknowledged my efforts. I will always cherish my Test career,” he added.

Sources indicate that the 36-year-old conveyed his decision to the BCCI prior to the England series, scheduled to commence on June 20.

Reportedly, he had been engaged in discussions with board executives regarding his future participation in the format for over a month.

While Kohli has been a mainstay of India’s batting lineup, his recent Test performances had faced increased evaluation. His unbeaten century in the Perth Test in November 2024 marked his first century since July 2023 against the West Indies in Port of Spain.

After achieving a peak average of 55.10 following his career-best 254 against South Africa in 2019, Kohli’s average declined to 32.56 in the subsequent two years.

Regardless, the team management and selectors were eager to leverage his experience for the demanding England tour.

Following Rohit Sharma’s recent Test retirement announcement, and R. Ashwin’s departure from international cricket last year, the Indian Test team is undergoing substantial changes. Shubman Gill is likely to be appointed as the new Test captain.

With Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane currently excluded from selection and Mohammed Shami recovering from an injury, only KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah remain as seasoned core members from the period during which India reached two consecutive World Test Championship finals—one under Kohli’s leadership.

Both Kohli and Rohit Sharma were classified in the BCCI’s highest A+ contract bracket, designated for players actively participating across all three formats.

However, after their respective retirements from T20Is following India’s World Cup victory last year, and now Kohli’s withdrawal from Tests, both are anticipated to concentrate primarily on ODI cricket going forward.

Kohli debuted in Test cricket during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2011. After a slow beginning—scoring 76 runs over five innings—he started to gain traction later that year with half-centuries at the Wankhede Stadium.

His inaugural Test century occurred during the 2011–12 tour of Australia in Adelaide, amidst a difficult series for the Indian side.

Under Kohli’s stewardship, India secured victory in 40 of 68 Tests, establishing him as the nation’s most accomplished Test captain. His victory count ranks fourth among all Test captains worldwide, trailing Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41).

One of his standout performances occurred during the 2018 England tour, where he topped the scoring charts, amassing 583 runs at an average of 59.30—including a pair of centuries—four years after a poor showing in the same nation in 2014.

Between 2016 and 2018, Kohli was at his peak, amassing 3,596 runs in 35 Tests at an average of 66.59, with 14 centuries and eight half-centuries. His consistency was mirrored in annual averages of 75.93 (2016), 75.64 (2017), and 55.08 (2018).