Virat Kohli Announces Retirement From Test Cricket; Marks End Of Glorious Era

Indian cricket legend and former captain Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a storied 14-year red-ball career.

Kohli informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of India’s upcoming five-match Test series against England.

Virat Kohli Reflects On His Test Journey

Kohli took to Instagram to share his emotions, writing, “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.”

He called playing in whites ‘deeply personal’ and retired with ‘a heart full of gratitude’.

Stats That Define A Legacy

Kohli ends his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85.

He smashed 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him the fourth-highest Test century scorer for India, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34).

He holds the record for the most Test double centuries by an Indian (7) and the most Test hundreds as an Indian captain (20).

One of India’s Most Successful Captains

Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, making him the fourth-most successful Test captain in history, behind Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41).

Under his leadership, India became a dominant force in world cricket, especially away from home.

Virat Kohli Follows Rohit Sharma In Retirement

Kohli’s retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from Test cricket.

Their simultaneous exits leave India with a void of experience in the batting department ahead of future Test challenges.

The 36-year-old will now play only ODIs after retiring from T20Is last year.

Also Read: Navjot Sidhu Criticises Virat Kohli’s Retirement Timing Ahead Of England Tour