Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: Ends 14-Year Legacy

New Delhi: Cricket legend Virat Kohli has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a stellar 14-year career in the longest format of the game. The announcement comes just days before India is set to name its squad for the upcoming England Test series starting June 20.

Kohli, 36, made the emotional announcement via Instagram, writing:

“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.”

The former India captain leaves behind a remarkable Test legacy:

123 Tests
9,230 runs
30 centuries
Average: 46.85

While Kohli has retired from both Test and T20 internationals — the latter following India’s T20 World Cup victory in 2024 — he is expected to continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs).

Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared:

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. I never imagined the path this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”

Kohli’s final Test appearance came in India’s 3-1 series loss to Australia earlier this year, a defeat that ended their decade-long hold on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

However, his greatest impact was arguably as India’s most successful Test captain, leading the side from 2014 to 2022. Under his captaincy:

India won 40 out of 68 Tests
Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more Test wins as captains
He led India to the World Test Championship Finals in 2021 and 2023

Kohli concluded his retirement post with heartfelt gratitude:

“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.”

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) paid tribute to Kohli on X (formerly Twitter), stating: