Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, has announced his retirement from Test cricket.
This brings an end to a glorious 14-year journey in the game’s longest format. The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, is a big moment in Indian cricket. It comes just a few days after Rohit Sharma also stepped down from Test cricket duties.
Kohli’s decision follows a career filled with milestones. He played 123 Test matches for India, scoring 9,230 runs with an impressive average of 46.85. His Test record includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. These numbers secure his place as one of India’s greatest batsmen.
He also holds the Indian record for most Test wins as captain, leading the team to victory in 40 out of 68 matches he captained.
ALSO READ:
- Pacers power past Cavaliers after Mathurin’s ejection as Thunder grind out ugly win over Nuggets
- 5 reasons why Trent Alexander-Arnold might not hit top form at Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso
- Sinner stays perfect in Rome as he eyes historic Italian Open title
- Coco Gauff ends Emma Raducanu’s Italian Open run with dominant fourth-round victory
Before this retirement announcement, Kohli last played during the IPL 2025. He featured in a T20 match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3, 2025. The match took place at RCB’s home ground. Kohli showed his class again, scoring a quick 62 runs off just 33 balls. His innings gave RCB a strong start in that match.
Even though Kohli has now retired from both T20 Internationals and Test cricket, he is expected to continue playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India. He will also remain an important player for RCB in the IPL.
This move seems to be a way to extend his cricketing career in the shorter formats, likely with the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind.
Kohli’s Test retirement, just before India’s tour of England, has drawn attention from cricket analysts. Though his Ranji Trophy coach earlier hinted at his interest in the England series, Kohli’s decision seems based on personal or strategic planning.
Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket is unmatched. His captaincy changed the Indian team’s approach—with a focus on fitness and aggressive play. This led to historic success, especially in overseas matches. Although his recent Test form declined slightly, his career stats still place him among Indian cricket’s legends.
As he enters a new phase, Kohli’s presence in ODIs and the IPL will keep him in the spotlight of world cricket.
