"I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket after 14 years in the format.
The former India captain made the decision public via Instagram, ending a red-ball career that began in 2011. His announcement follows Rohit Sharma’s retirement from Test cricket last week.
Kohli wrote: “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.”
Virat Kohli played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs, placing him fourth on India’s all-time run-scorers list. He struck 30 centuries in the format and was widely considered one of the four great batters of his generation.
He shared that distinction with England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Steve Smith, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.
Though his career was glittering, Kohli had struggled for consistency in recent years.
His last Test century came in November, 100 not out against Australia, and was his only ton in 15 innings across 16 months.
Since January 2020, he has scored just three Test centuries in 39 matches, averaging 30.72.
Despite this dip in form, team management was understood to have wanted him on the England tour. India will play a five-match Test series there from June 2025.
A new captain will now lead India, with Shubman Gill the frontrunner to take over after Sharma’s retirement.
Kohli’s exit further signals the end of a golden era in Indian Test cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin retired in 2024. Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are out of contention. Mohammed Shami has returned from injury but remains under scrutiny.
KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah are now the few remaining figures from the side that reached two World Test Championship finals – the first under Kohli’s leadership.
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