Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, closing a significant chapter in Indian cricket history. Over the course of 14 years, Kohli played 123 Tests — 68 of them as captain — and accumulated 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
"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," Kohli shared in a statement on social media Monday morning, UNB reports.
"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."
According to an ESPNcricinfo report from Saturday, Kohli had informed the BCCI of his decision ahead of the upcoming five-Test series in England, which begins on June 20. He had been in discussions with BCCI officials over the past month regarding his retirement.
Kohli's recent form in the longest format had not mirrored the high standards he set earlier in his career. His century in the Perth Test in November 2024 was his first in over a year, the previous one coming in July 2023 against the West Indies. While his average had once peaked at 55.10 following a career-best 254 not out against South Africa in 2019, it had dropped to 32.56 over the past two years.
Despite the dip, the team management and selectors were reportedly keen on having Kohli’s experience for the England tour. India will be entering that series under new leadership, with Shubman Gill likely to succeed Rohit Sharma, who also retired from Test cricket earlier this week.
Kohli’s departure marks another major shift for the Indian Test team. R Ashwin had stepped away from international cricket last year, and with veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane not currently in the frame, and Mohammed Shami working to regain form post-injury, only KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah remain as ties to the era that saw India reach two consecutive World Test Championship finals — the first under Kohli’s captaincy.
