NEW DELHI: Virat Kohli , one of India's most celebrated cricketers, has announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming England series. Kohli’s decision marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Known for his intensity, unmatched fitness, and relentless drive, Kohli leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old played 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 48.7, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
His final Test appearance came during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series that proved to be a difficult farewell tour.
Despite a century in the opening Test in Perth, Kohli managed just 190 runs across five matches, with 85 runs coming in the last four Tests.
His struggles against the moving ball were evident, as eight of his ten dismissals came via edges to the slip cordon.
Kohli’s retirement comes at a time when he had expressed desire to lead the side in England. While his class and commitment were never in doubt, recent form highlighted a sharp decline in returns, particularly on challenging overseas pitches.
Also See: Virat Kohli Retirement | Virat Kohli Test Stats and Milestones
Making his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, Kohli rapidly evolved into the backbone of India’s batting line-up.
As captain, he brought aggression and fitness to the forefront, leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and taking the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Also read: 'Why?' Who said what on Virat Kohli's sudden Test retirement
Under his leadership, India played 68 Tests, winning 40, a record unmatched by any other Indian captain.
Kohli is expected to continue playing ODIs, but his absence in whites will leave a significant void. As fans and former players react to his decision, tributes are pouring in for a player who redefined modern Test batting in India.
Also read: A list of Virat Kohli's most controversial moments in Test cricket
Known for his intensity, unmatched fitness, and relentless drive, Kohli leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old played 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 48.7, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
His final Test appearance came during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series that proved to be a difficult farewell tour.
Despite a century in the opening Test in Perth, Kohli managed just 190 runs across five matches, with 85 runs coming in the last four Tests.
His struggles against the moving ball were evident, as eight of his ten dismissals came via edges to the slip cordon.
Kohli’s retirement comes at a time when he had expressed desire to lead the side in England. While his class and commitment were never in doubt, recent form highlighted a sharp decline in returns, particularly on challenging overseas pitches.
Also See: Virat Kohli Retirement | Virat Kohli Test Stats and Milestones
Making his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, Kohli rapidly evolved into the backbone of India’s batting line-up.
It was short - he only made 11 runs - but Virat Kohli looked the part in his first Test innings on Australian soil at the MCG back in 2011... pic.twitter.com/0L4a5x3HWj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 14, 2020
As captain, he brought aggression and fitness to the forefront, leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and taking the team to the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Also read: 'Why?' Who said what on Virat Kohli's sudden Test retirement
Under his leadership, India played 68 Tests, winning 40, a record unmatched by any other Indian captain.
Kohli is expected to continue playing ODIs, but his absence in whites will leave a significant void. As fans and former players react to his decision, tributes are pouring in for a player who redefined modern Test batting in India.
Also read: A list of Virat Kohli's most controversial moments in Test cricket
You may also like
Indian students organisation in the UK relieved over retention of graduate route for post-study work
Stacey Solomon's sister in furious outburst as she lashes out at BAFTA snub
"Declare Pakistan a terrorist state, tell America it can't trade with them": Kapil Sibal to PM Modi
Pakistan violates ceasefire again: Drones shot down near J&K's Samba
Politician wanting to take credit: Shashi Tharoor slams Trump for declaring halting of Indo-Pak hostilities
