Why Virat Kohli announced retirement from Test cricket

Published - May 12, 2025 06:56:09
Updated - May 12, 2025 06:58:52

By Aditya Parsutkar

Image Source : BCCI

Regarded as one of the best batsmen in world cricket, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test Cricket on Monday, 12th May 2025, on social media. This is such a shocking decision for his fans who wanted him in the upcoming Test series in England. The reports now suggest there were deeper reasons behind his sudden decision, even after having great fitness at the age of 36 and red-hot form in IPL 2025.

According to reports, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the India team, holds a key decision-making role in the BCCI. Reportedly, the coach did not want Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in his future plans for the Indian Test team, as he wanted younger players. After knowing the future plans, Virat decided to retire from Test cricket, a format that he loves the most.

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.”

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.