Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, BCCI and Fans React
Published on: May 12, 2025 2:12 pm IST|Updated on: May 12, 2025 4:43 pm IST
India’s most decorated batter of this generation, Virat Kohli, has decided to bid adieu to the longest format of the game, i.e., Test cricket, with immediate effect. The superstar batter showed no willingness to play the upcoming 5-Test match tour to England, slated for June-July. This shocking call has left Kohli’s fans and the cricket world in distress, as no one was ready for Virat to put a full stop to his glorious 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.
Kohli’s Emotional Farewell
Kohli took to social media to share his decision, posting a heartfelt message reflecting on his Test career.
“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. 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’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” Kohli wrote.
A Legacy Like No Other
Since making his Test debut in 2011, Kohli has played 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.9. His highest score remains an unbeaten 254, and he finishes his red-ball career with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Virat Kohli’s Test career statistics:
| Category | Stats |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 123 |
| Innings Batted | 210 |
| Runs Scored | 9,230 |
| Batting Average | 46.85 |
| Highest Score | 254* vs South Africa in Pune |
| Centuries | 30 |
| Half-Centuries | 31 |
| Double Centuries | 7 |
| Strike Rate | 55.57 |
| Not Outs | 13 |
| Matches as Captain | 68 |
| Wins as Captain | 40 |
Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of legendary, making him one of India’s most successful batters and captains in the format. His aggressive leadership and batting prowess have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket.
India’s most successful Test captain ever
Beyond his batting prowess, Kohli’s leadership transformed India into a dominant force in Test cricket. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, the highest win percentage for an Indian Test captain at 58.82%. His aggressive approach, emphasis on fitness, and belief in pace bowling revolutionized India’s red-ball strategy, making them a formidable unit both at home and overseas.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had reportedly urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, especially with Rohit Sharma’s recent retirement leaving a leadership void in the Test squad. However, Kohli remained firm in his stance.
With Kohli’s departure, India now faces a crucial transition phase. Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to take over as Test captain, while Sai Sudharsan is being considered as an opening option alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Tributes Pour In
Following Kohli’s announcement, tributes from fans, former cricketers, and teammates flooded social media. His brother Vikas Kohli expressed pride, stating,
“Always proud of you, bhai… You have held your head high and given all you can. Stay blessed”.
Former cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, hailed Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket, calling him one of the greatest Test batters of all time.
What Next for Indian Cricket
With two of the Indian cricket stalwarts, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, retiring in a span of a week from the longest format of the game, the Indian team is in a dire state. The next challenge for Team India is the 5-match Test series in England, and there’s no one to lead the side. Shubman Gill is the name that is being discussed to be Rohit Sharma’s successor as Indian test captain, and the decision will be out soon.
