Virat Kohli Announces Test Retirement on Instagram, Reflects on a Glorious 14-Year Journey
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In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, former Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 35-year-old batting icon described Test cricket as a format that tested him, shaped his character, and taught him life-long lessons. Kohli donned the iconic white jersey for the last time, ending a stellar red-ball career that spanned over 14 years and included 123 Test matches.
Test cricket has tested me, given me an identity, and taught me lessons I will cherish forever,” Kohli wrote in his emotional post.
Virat: BCCI Tried to Convince Kohli to Reconsider Retirement Decision
Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on May 10 about his decision to retire from Test cricket. According to sources, the board requested him to reconsider. A senior BCCI official held discussions with Kohli on May 11, but the star batter stood firm on his decision.
He concluded his statement by writing “Signing off” alongside his Test cap number, 269, signaling the end of his journey in the longest format of the game.
Test Records That Cemented Kohli’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
Kohli’s Test career statistics are a testament to his dominance in the format. Over 123 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
Though Kohli never clinched an ICC tournament as captain, his record in Test cricket surpasses that of predecessors MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Under Kohli’s captaincy, India won all 11 home Test series—an unbeaten streak that even legends like Dhoni couldn’t maintain. In contrast, both Dhoni and Rohit have faced series losses at home, including a 3-0 clean sweep against New Zealand under Rohit’s leadership.
Career-Defining Performances Across the Globe
His resilience and technical brilliance were also evident in Australia, where he consistently piled up runs, and in South Africa, where he struck centuries on challenging pitches.
Most Test Centuries Scored on Home Soil
Of his 30 Test centuries, Kohli scored the majority—14—in India. While he found success abroad, New Zealand proved to be less rewarding, with just a single century on Kiwi soil.
Legacy of Passion and Consistency
Kohli’s passion for Test cricket never wavered, even as the format took a backseat to T20 leagues. His dedication to red-ball cricket and his leadership were instrumental in transforming India into a dominant Test-playing nation. The discipline, grit, and hunger he brought to the game have left a lasting impact on Indian cricket and its next generation of players.
As fans and fellow cricketers reflect on Kohli’s monumental contribution to Test cricket, one thing is certain—Virat Kohli will be remembered not just for his stats, but for redefining the role of a modern-day Test cricketer.
