Virat Kohli has officially drawn the curtains on his illustrious Test career, ending a 14-year-long association with the format that brought out the very essence of his cricketing soul. The former Indian skipper exits the red-ball arena after representing the country in 123 Test matches, amassing 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. His record includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties — a testament to his consistency and class.
The 36-year-old made the announcement through Instagram, expressing gratitude and reverence for a format he had always championed with unmatched passion. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli shared in an emotional note. “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.”
Here is the post:
Although he retires just 770 runs short of the 10,000-run milestone, Kohli’s stature remains untouched. Considered by many as the finest Indian Test batter not to cross that landmark, he appears to walk away content, with no signs of regret. Kohli’s journey began in 2011 with his debut against the West Indies in Kingston, where he scored 4 and 15 in a match India won by 63 runs. His last outing came in the Sydney Test against Australia in January this year, where he managed scores of 17 and 6.
One of the most remarkable achievements in Virat Kohli’s Test career is his tally of seven double-centuries — the most by an Indian. On the global stage, only four batters stand above him in that regard, led by the legendary Don Bradman with 12. Kohli’s prowess wasn’t limited to his batting. As a captain, he carved out a legacy that places him among the all-time greats. He led India in 68 Tests, securing victory in 40 of them — both Indian records. His win percentage of 58.82 is the third-best in Test history among those who have captained in at least 50 matches.
With his exit from Tests, Kohli’s international career will now be confined to One Day Internationals, having stepped away from T20 Internationals last year. In a poignant parallel, he and Rohit Sharma had announced their T20I retirements simultaneously, moments after India’s World Cup triumph in the Americas.
