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Virat Kohli Photograph: (Twitter)
India's legendary batter Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Test cricket after playing for 14 years. The right-handed batter took to Instagram to inform his fans and followers regarding his decision. Kohli, who made his Test debut on June 20, 2011, against West Indies, played in 123 matches and amassed 9230 runs, at an average of 46.85. This news came as a shock to the Indian fans who were expecting to see him play in the upcoming Test series against England.
Kohli has scored 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in red-ball cricket and was quite fond of the format. He did give subtle hints about announcing his retirement during an interview before the IPL started, as he said, "I might not have another Australia tour in me, so I am at peace with whatever happened in the past." His current Instagram post was an emotional one while he bid farewell to the format. This means that Kohli will only play in the ODIs in the future.
Virat Kohli announces his Test retirement on Instagram:
"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," wrote Virat Kohli on his Instagram post.
Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this month
Before Virat Kohli, India's Test team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from red cricket earlier this month. He bid farewell to the format on his Instagram story on May 7, 2025. The right-handed batter and India's former captain had a great journey with the Indian team since his debut in November 2013, during Sachin Tendulkar's farewell series.
The right-hand batter scored 4301 runs in 67 matches, at an average of 40.57. His highest score is 212 runs, along with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. He has had a prolific career so far, and retiring from it would have been the hardest decision of his life. Now, both players will focus on ODI cricket and will look forward to winning the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2027.