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The cricketing world was left in stunned silence as Virat Kohli, India's modern-day batting great, announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 14-year illustrious career in the sport's purest format. An era that transformed Indian cricket came to an end on Monday morning when the 35-year-old Virat Kohli made the heartbreaking announcement in a social media post.
123 Tests (68 as captain - India's most successful Test skipper)
9,230 runs at an average of 48.85
30 centuries, including 7 double-hundreds
Led India to historic overseas wins in Australia, England, and South Africa
| Format | Matches | Innings | Notouts | Runs | HS | Average | Balls Faced | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Test | 123 | 210 | 13 | 9,230 | 254* | 46.9 | 16,608 | 55.6 | 30 | 31 | 1,027 | 30 |
In a deeply personal statement, Kohli reflected on his journey:
"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."
He added, "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, it's not easy-but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more."
As first reported by ESPNcricinfo, Kohli had been in discussions with the BCCI for over a month regarding his retirement. According to sources, he made his decision before India's five-Test series in England, which begins on June 20, in which he was expected to play.
While no official reason was given, speculation suggests:
The following reason speculation suggested
A desire to focus on white-ball cricket (ODIs & T20Is) ahead of major tournaments
Family priorities after the birth of his second child
Mental fatigue from the relentless demands of Test cricket
Aggressive Captaincy: Turned India into a global force, especially overseas
Fitness Revolution: Made athleticism non-negotiable for the modern cricketer
Unmatched Consistency: Scored centuries in Australia, England, SA, and NZ
Record-Breaking Leader: Most wins (40) as India's Test captain
Sachin Tendulkar: "A warrior who played with passion. Proud of you, Virat!"
Rohit Sharma: "The dressing room won't be the same without you, champ."
Ben Stokes: "One of the greatest competitors I've ever faced. The game will miss him."
He will keeps playing ODIs and T20Is and play with a hope of winning the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup, also serving as a mentor for Team India. Also play role in Potential commentary stints & franchise cricket (IPL, overseas leagues)
"The King Leaves His Throne, But His Empire Remains"
India's most revolutionary Test era comes to a close with Virat Kohli's retirement. His relentless drive, unmatched intensity, and sheer will to win have left an indelible mark on cricket history. As his Test career comes to an end, one thing is clear: Virat Kohli not just played test cricket but he reinvented it.
