Virat Kohli called time on his Test career on Monday, May 12, setting the internet on fire. The decision was the most unexpected in recent times, given the hunger Kohli always had about playing Test cricket.
However, the Indian team not reaching the WTC 2025 final must have played its part in Kohli's decision. The Indian batter scored only 190 runs in the last series he played against Australia. That included a match-winning hundred at Perth.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have now announced their Test retirements, with all the focus on the resumption of IPL 2025 amid India-Pakistan cross-border tensions.
Also Read: Top 5 Best Test Knocks Of Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli retired as the most successful Test captain for India with 40 wins from 68 Test matches, maintaining a win percentage of 58.82 percent. He also ended his Test career with 9230 runs, which makes him the fourth-highest run-getter for India in the format. Sachin Tendulkar (15921), Rahul Dravid (13265) and Sunil Gavaskar (10122) are ahead of him in this elite list.
Meanwhile, several former Indian and overseas cricketers congratulated Kohli on his Test career. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Kohli's good friend AB De Villiers were among the ones who wished Kohli well on his retirement.
Also Read: “For 60 Overs, They Should Feel Like Hell Out There" Virat Kohli’s Legacy as India’s Test Captain
Reactions On Virat Kohli's Test Retirement
On Monday morning, Virat Kohli took to his social media handles, where he announced his decision to retire from Test cricket.
Virat Kohli's Instagram Post On His Retirement
"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" wrote Kohli on his Instagram handle.
Meanwhile, with India scheduled to play a Test series against England from June 20, the BCCI has a lot on their plate as they need to appoint the new captain ahead of the series and a suitable replacement for Kohli at number four.
