Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: All You Need to Know

In a surprising development, Virat Kohli, one of India's most iconic cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The announcement comes just days before India’s highly anticipated five-match Test series against England, beginning June 20, 2025.

A Shocking Exit Before England Tour

Kohli’s decision has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, especially with the timing being so close to India’s away tour of England. This series marks the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle, and Kohli’s absence will be deeply felt by the Indian team and fans alike.

Kohli Retires Days After Rohit Sharma's Test Exit

Interestingly, Kohli’s announcement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma's own retirement from Test cricket. The duo, who earlier stepped away from T20Is after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados last year, have now both opted out of red-ball cricket. Their exit signals a significant leadership and generational transition for the Indian Test side.

Struggles During the 2024–25 Test Season

Kohli's recent performances in the longest format have not met his usual high standards. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year, Kohli managed only 186 runs across five matches. Despite scoring a century in the series opener, he failed to maintain consistency, which many believe may have influenced his decision to retire.

Virat Kohli’s Test Career in Numbers

Virat Kohli has enjoyed a phenomenal Test career since making his debut in 2011. Here's a look at his Test match statistics:

• Total Matches: 123

• Total Runs: 9,230

• Batting Average: 46.85

• Centuries: 30

• Half-centuries: 31

Kohli’s home record has been especially impressive:

• Home Matches: 55

• Runs at Home: 4,336

• Average: 55.58

In away matches:

• Away Matches: 66

• Runs: 4,774

• Average: 41.51

In two Tests played at neutral venues, Kohli scored 120 runs at an average of 30.

India’s Most Successful Test Captain

Kohli’s contribution as a leader is just as significant as his batting. He holds the record for most Test matches captained for India:

• Tests as Captain: 68

• Wins: 40

• Losses: 17

• Draws: 11

• Win Percentage: 58.82

He scored 5,864 runs as captain at an average of 54.80, including 20 centuries and 18 fifties. Kohli led the team from 2014 to 2022, after which Rohit Sharma took over.

Kohli’s Emotional Retirement Message

Virat Kohli shared the news through an emotional Instagram post that captured the essence of his journey:

“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. I gave it everything I had, every single time I stepped on the field. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

The heartfelt message underlined Kohli’s deep respect for the format and the legacy he leaves behind.

What’s Next for Virat Kohli?

With his Test career now behind him, fans will keenly watch how Kohli shapes the remaining years of his cricketing journey. While he has retired from both Tests and T20Is, Kohli is expected to continue playing in the ODI format and for his IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Conclusion

Virat Kohli's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His unmatched passion, leadership, and aggressive style transformed India into a formidable Test side. As fans bid farewell to a legend in whites, Kohli’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.