Virat Kohli, the Indian cricket icon, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a remarkable 14-year red-ball career.. The news of the Virat Kohli Test retirement has stirred emotions among fans and cricketing legends alike. Kohli, widely celebrated for his passionate gameplay and consistency, shared the emotional update on Instagram on May 12, 2025. This came ahead of India’s tour to England. The post featured a heartfelt message and a picture in his iconic white jersey. It marked a historic moment in Indian cricket: the formal announcement of his Test retirement.
“269, Signing Off”: Kohli’s Emotional Goodbye
Known to millions as #KingKohli, the 36-year-old batting legend revealed that his retirement was effective immediately. As India prepares for a five-Test series against England, Kohli will not be part of the lineup. In his message, Kohli reminisced about wearing the whites for the first time 14 years ago. He described the journey as one that tested, shaped, and inspired him.
“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,” Kohli wrote. “It’s not easy — but it feels right.”
The hashtag #269, representing his Test cap number, trended on social media. Tributes poured in from fans and cricketing legends alike.
Virat Kohli Test Retirement: A Glorious Test Career Ends
Kohli’s numbers speak volumes. Over his career, he played 123 Test matches and scored 9,230 runs at an impressive average, including 27 centuries.Only three Indian players — Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar — have scored more runs in Test cricket.
After taking over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014, Kohli led India to 40 wins in 68 matches. This made him India’s most successful Test captain. His aggressive yet composed leadership redefined India’s overseas performances and ushered in a new era of fitness and intensity for the team..
From 2010 to 2019, he was the third-highest run-scorer in Test cricket globally. Although Kohli experienced a dip in form after the COVID-19 pandemic, he remained a dependable figure in the Indian lineup. He continued to inspire the next generation of cricketers.
Post Virat Kohli Test Retirement: India’s Transition Phase Begins
Kohli’s retirement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma announced that he would also step away from Test cricket. With both stalwarts exiting the format, India enters a new era led by emerging talent.
Although he will no longer play Tests, Kohli remains active in ODIs and T20Is, meaning fans can still look forward to his explosive performances in limited-overs formats.
The End of a Glorious Chapter
Virat Kohli’s departure from Test cricket leaves behind a void difficult to fill. His legacy as a player, leader, and ambassador of the red-ball game will remain unmatched for years. Whether it was his blistering cover drives, fiery celebrations, or match-winning centuries, Kohli’s presence on the Test field will be deeply missed.
As #269 signs off, cricket fans worldwide salute one of the game’s all-time greats — a legend whose passion, grit, and excellence redefined Indian Test cricket.
