India: Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a storied red-ball career that spanned over 14 years. The 36-year-old batter, who made his debut in 2011 against the West Indies, played 123 Tests for India, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
Kohli confirmed the decision through an emotional message on social media. Kohli stated that, “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.”
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The former India captain leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having led the side in 68 Tests and winning 40 of them, more than any other Indian skipper in the format. Under his leadership, India achieved a historic series win in Australia and rose to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Kohli remarked that, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in white. 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.”
Kohli retired from T20 internationals in 2024 after India’s World Cup triumph but is expected to continue representing the country in one-day internationals.
Once considered part of the Fab Four of his generation alongside Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, Kohli accumulated 30 Test centuries. However, his red-ball form saw a dip in recent years. Since January 2020, he has averaged 30.72, with just three centuries in 39 Tests. His most recent ton came in November 2024, an unbeaten 100 against Australia, his first in 15 innings across 16 months.
Kohli concluded that, “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.”
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