Virat Kohli announces Test retirement after 14-year career

Virat Kohli announces Test retirement after 14-year career

In a move that has transferred shockwaves through the cricketing world, Virat Kohli, one of the ultramodern- day greats of the game, has blazoned his withdrawal from Test justice with immediate effect. The advertisement came via a sincere post on his social media accounts on Monday, May 12, 2025, bringing an end to a astral 14- time career in the longest format of the game.

The timing of Kohli’s decision is particularly notable as it comes just weeks before India’s largely awaited five- match Test series against England, listed to begin in June 2025. While the Board of Control for Cricket in India( BCCI) was reportedly apprehensive of Kohli’s intentions, the public advertisement has still taken numerous by surprise.

A Sincere Farewell

In his withdrawal statement, Kohli expressed deep gratefulness for the trip Test justice has taken him on. He conceded the challenges, the assignments learned, and the profound particular connection he felt to the format.

” There is commodity deeply particular about playing in whites,” Kohli wrote.” The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no bone sees but that stay with you ever. As I step down from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I have given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much further than I could’ve hoped for.”

He 1 concluded his communication with a note of thanks” I am walking down with a heart full of gratefulness – for the game, for the people I participated 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, subscribing 2 out.” The hashtag# 269 signifies his Test cap number for India.

A Distinguished Career in figures

Virat Kohli’s Test career is one that will be etched in the annals of justice history. Over 14 times, he played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an emotional normal of 46.85. His census includes 30 centuries and 31 half- centuries, with a loftiest score of 254 not out against South Africa in 2019. He stands as the fourth-loftiest run- arranger for India in Test justice, only behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

crucial highlights of his Test career include

harmonious Run- Scoring Kohli was a dependence of the Indian fur lineup for over a decade, known for his aggressive yet technically sound approach.

Captaincy Records He’s India’s most successful Test captain, leading the platoon in 68 matches and securing 40 palms. Under his leadership, India achieved their first- ever Test series palm in Australia in 2018- 19 and held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test Team Rankings for five successive times( 2016- 2021).
Overseas Performances Kohli is one of the many Indian batsmen to have scored centuries by all major SENA( South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, showcasing his rigidity and skill on different pitches.

Double Centuries He holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian captain in Tests( 7) and is among the leading batsmen encyclopedically in this regard.
Peak Form( 2016- 2019) This period is considered Kohli’s golden period in Test justice, where he constantly churned out runs, including multiple centuries and double centuries, establishing himself as the premier Test batsman in the world.

The Recent Dip in Form and the Road Ahead

Kohli had preliminarily expressed his desire to lead India in the forthcoming Test series in England. still, his decision to retire suggests a implicit reassessment of his precedences and physical and internal workload. He remains a vital part of India’s One Day International( ODI) team and is anticipated to continue playing in the 50- over format, with the 2027 Cricket World Cup probably to be a significant focus. He’d formerly retired from T20 Internationals after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024.

responses from the Justice Fraternity

Kohli’s unforeseen advertisement has been met with a surge of paeans and responses from cricketers, trainers, and suckers worldwide.

Sachin Tendulkar Kohli’s hero, Sachin Tendulkar, participated an emotional communication, ignoring about a thoughtful gesture from Kohli during his own last Test match.
Gautam Gambhir The current India head trainer conceded Kohli’s immense donation to Test justice and his leadership.

Ravi Shastri The former India trainer lauded Kohli’s passion and intensity for the Test format.
Teammates Jasprit Bumrah, Cheteshwar Pujara, and numerous other current and former teammates participated sincere dispatches, admitting Kohli’s impact on their careers and Indian justice.
International Cricket Council( ICC) The ICC also paid homage to Kohli’s remarkable career and his influence on Test justice.

The Void Left and Implicit reserves

Kohli’s withdrawal leaves a significant void in India’s Test fur lineup, particularly his experience and leadership. With Rohit Sharma also having lately retired from Test justice, the Indian platoon will enter the new World Test Championship cycle with a fairly fresh fur order and new leadership.

The pickers now face the grueling task of chancing a suitable relief for Kohli at the No. 4 position for the forthcoming England series. Implicit campaigners who might be considered include

Looking Ahead

Virat Kohli’s withdrawal from Test justice marks the end of an period. His passion, aggression, and unvarying commitment to the game, especially the Test format, have left an unforgettable mark. While suckers will really miss his presence in the white blarney, his heritage as one of the topmost Test cricketers of all time remains secure.

He’ll continue to be a force in the ODI arena, and the cricketing world will eagerly watch his unborn trials in the shorter format. For now, the focus shifts to how India will acclimatize to this significant change as they embark on a new chapter in Test justice.

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