Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. Though the decision was communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India earlier, the formal announcement has been made today.

Kohli’s decision comes days after India captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format. Both veteran batters have decided to call it a day ahead of the upcoming England Test series in July. 

Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica in June 2011. He went on to play 123 Test matches, batting in 210 innings, scoring 9,230 runs featuring 30 centuries and 31 fifties with an average of 46.85 and a top score of 254*. He has also taken 121 catches in the format.

Kohli finishes as fourth-highest Indian run-getter in Test history—behind Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Rahul Dravid. He won the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year award in 2018. 

The 36-year-old captained India in 68 Tests—the most by an Indian captain. Under his leadership, India won 40, drew 11, and lost 17 matches. Under his captaincy, India dominated the Test format and held the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test team rankings for five consecutive years—from 2016 to 2021. They also reached the final of the inaugural ICC World Test Championship in 2021 under his leadership. 

In a message shared via social media, Kohli said: 

“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.“

The BCCI confirmed Kohli’s retirement with the following post on social media: 

“Thank you, Virat Kohli!

“An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 

“@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.

“His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!”