Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

After a long discussion with the BCCI and several influential figures, Virat Kohli has finally decided to retire from Test cricket on May 12. The 36-year-old reportedly informed the board of his desire to step away, but despite their efforts to convince him to play the upcoming Test series in England, he ultimately announced his retirement through social media.

Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket 

 

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Regarded as one of the best batsmen in world cricket, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket saying, “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. 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. 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. 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. #269, signing off.”

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The development came after Rohit Sharma recently announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 7, 2025. After Ravichandran Ashwin and Rohit Sharma, Virat also said goodbye to this beautiful format of the game.

Virat Kohli has played a total of 123 Tests—68 of them as captain for India—scoring 9230 runs with an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He is regarded as one of India’s best Test captains and is credited with changing the attitude and culture of the team during his leadership.