In a shocking turn of events, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, leaving his fans heartbroken. Over his 14-year Test career, he played 123 matches and scored 9,230 runs with an average of 46.85.
Virat Kohli’s Legendary Career Comes to an End
Virat Kohli took to his social media and shared an emotional note, announcing his retirement from Test cricket. Sharing a picture of himself, Virat 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.
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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Check out the Instagram post:
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Captaincy That Redefined Indian Test Cricket
Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and became captain in 2014. Kohli led India in 68 Tests – more than any other Indian captain – winning 40 of them, drawing 11, and losing just 17. His win rate as captain was 58.82%, the highest for India in Test history.
One of his biggest achievements was leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2019.
Kohli played his final Test earlier this year in Sydney against Australia, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India lost that match by six wickets and the series 3-1.
Kohli’s Test record:
Matches: 123
Runs: 9,230
Highest score: 254* vs South Africa (2019)
Average: 46.85
Centuries: 30
Half-centuries: 31
He is now the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in Tests, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Kohli, 36, has not been at his best recently. During the latest tour of Australia, he scored only one century and made 190 runs in nine innings. Speaking at a Royal Challengers Bengaluru event, he said this recent Australia tour felt especially disappointing to him. Earlier, he used to think the 2014 England tour was his lowest point.
It has to be noted that Virat Kohli had already stepped away from T20 internationals after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
His retirement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma also quit Test cricket. Now, with both seniors gone, India will head to England next month with a weakened middle order. Shubman Gill is the top candidate to become the next Test captain.
Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with reactions from the fans, who were left heartbroken after the sudden announcement from King Kohli. From memes to tributes, fans are flooding the social media with their reactions.
Check out how fans reacted:
The numbers will say 30 centuries.
But they won’t say how he batted like a gladiator at Perth, or captained like a lion at Lord’s.
Indian Test Cricket saw it’s golden period under Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/uh0wOD5FUz
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 12, 2025
I would have liked to see #ViratKohli go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 12, 2025
Blud left Chole bhature and butter chicken just to retire at 36. pic.twitter.com/FIjfgFHDZA
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 12, 2025
That Walk. That Jersey. That Aura.
test cricket will never feel complete again ❤️🩹 pic.twitter.com/jTJLP6Kw97
— rea (@reaadubey) May 12, 2025
End of an era pic.twitter.com/5ptgJMLGvp
— Cricket Picture that Goes Hard (@HardCricketpix) May 12, 2025
Thank You, Virat. #269 👑
Test Cricket will never be the same again! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/7eAYipnzp1
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2025
…dil abhi bhara nahi 😞 pic.twitter.com/I0uEmdP6SY
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 12, 2025
A career that's a testament to Test cricket's spirit!
Thank You, Virat Kohli! 🇮🇳#WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/M3iUaKnbek— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 12, 2025
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