New Delhi: Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 14-year-long journey in whites. The decision, shared via his Instagram handle on Monday, has sparked heartfelt tributes from the cricketing world, including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the BCCI wrote:
“Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era ends in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue forever! @imVkohli, the former Team India captain, retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!”
The ICC also honored Kohli’s retirement with a poignant post:
“Whites off, crown intact. Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy.”
Reflecting on his career, Kohli shared an emotional note on Instagram:
“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, and it’s given me back more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
A Stellar Test Career
Kohli, 36, made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies and went on to represent India in 123 matches. Over 210 innings, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest Test score remains an unbeaten 254.
He retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Rising Through Adversity
While his early outings in Tests were modest—scoring just 76 runs in his first series—Kohli’s breakout came during the 2011-12 tour of Australia. There, he scored a defiant century in Adelaide and finished as India’s top scorer with 300 runs, while senior stalwarts struggled.
Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli enjoyed a golden period, racking up 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at a staggering average of 66.79. This phase included 16 centuries and a record seven double hundreds—the most by any Test captain in history.
Challenges in the Later Years
The 2020s saw a dip in form. Kohli managed 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at an average of 30.72, with just three centuries. Despite a resurgence in 2023—where he scored 671 runs in eight Tests at 55.91—his final year (2024) saw a notable decline, with just 382 runs in 10 Tests at 22.47.
His final century came at Perth during India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour to Australia, which turned out to be his last Test series. That knock followed his previous hundreds in Port of Spain and Ahmedabad in 2023.
A Legacy of Grit and Greatness
Kohli’s career has been defined by resilience and brilliance. From decimating Australia’s bowling attack during the 2014-15 tour to leading India to the top of the Test rankings and delivering memorable performances in England, South Africa, and at home, he has been a pillar of modern Indian cricket.
As he steps away from Test cricket, fans are left with a treasure trove of unforgettable moments and the legacy of a player who gave his all for the game.
