Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, one of the most loved and celebrated cricketers of India, left the cricket lovers heartbroken after he announced his retirement from the longest format of the game. Kohli’s big decision to retire from the Test format marks the end of a glorious era of Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket
On Monday, 12th May, 2025, Virat Kohli took to his social media and shared a long emotional post on his Instagram, announcing the big decision of taking retirement from Test cricket. Sharing a picture of himself in the white jersey, Kohli 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. 🇮🇳❤️”
Check out the Instagram post of Virat Kohli:
View this post on Instagram
Meanwhile, social media has been buzzing with reactions, loving notes and heartfelt tributes from the fans and prominent people from all over the world. However, the post much-awaited post that has grabbed all the attention on the internet came from the love of his life, Anushka Sharma, who poured her heart out on an Instagram post.
Anushka Sharma shared a heartfelt tribute
Anushka Sharma shared an emotional note, paying her heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli and the legacy he has built over the years. In her post, she echoed the sentiments of Virat’s fans, who were not expecting the cricketer to bid farewell in the red-ball format of the game. Sharing pictures of Virat and herself, Anushka wrote:
“They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.”
“Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — But you’ve always followed your heart, and so l just want to say, my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.”
Check out the Instagram post of Anushka Sharma:
View this post on Instagram
Kohli’s Test record:
Matches: 123
Runs: 9,230
Highest score: 254* vs South Africa (2019)
Average: 46.85
Centuries: 30
Half-centuries: 31
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.
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