In a surprising announcement, Virat Kohli, the storied Indian batsman, has declared his immediate retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old's decision comes just ahead of a five-Test series against England, marking a notable turning point in his illustrious career, especially following the recent retirement of captain Rohit Sharma.
Kohli has played for India in 123 Test matches, accumulating an impressive 9,230 runs with a batting average of 46.85. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, he reminisced about his journey, stating, "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."
Previously, Kohli announced his retirement from T20 internationals in 2024 after India's World Cup win. However, he has plans to continue his presence in the one-day internationals. After making his Test debut against West Indies in 2011, Kohli also served as captain for 68 matches, leading to 40 victories and establishing himself as India's most successful Test leader.
Expressing his emotional connection to the format, he said, "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 he closes this chapter, he remains grateful for the experiences and individuals that have shaped his career, concluding, "I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude—I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."
Regarded as one of the greats of his generation along with the likes of Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson, Kohli has notched up 30 Test centuries. However, his form has varied recently, with his last century scored against Australia in November being his first in over a year, reflecting a challenging period where he averaged just 30.72 in the last few years. More news on this story is expected to follow.
