India’s batting legend Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a glorious chapter in the longest format of the game.
Kohli steps away with an impressive record: 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, solidifying his legacy as one of the finest red-ball cricketers of his era.
The announcement comes just a week after Indian skipper Rohit Sharma made a surprise decision to retire from Test cricket, signaling a significant shift in the leadership and structure of India’s Test team.
Kohli shared the news via social media on Monday, reflecting on his journey with heartfelt words:
“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.”
“#269, signing off.”
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket — an era defined by passion, consistency, and fierce competitiveness. His contributions to the format, especially as a captain who redefined fitness and aggression, will be remembered for generations to come.