Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket after 14 years and 123 matches, marking the end of an era. Rohit Sharma also bids farewell to the red-ball format.
Virat Kohli Says Farewell to Test Cricket: The End of a Wonderful Era
In a heartfelt note on social media, Virat Kohli, one of the Indian cricketing icons announced his retirement from Test cricket henceforth ending a 14-year journey that has changed everything for Indian red-ball cricket. The decision, although difficult, “felt right,” said Kohli, who made his debut in 2011 and went on to play 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 29 centuries.
“Wearing the whites was deeply personal,” Kohli wrote. “It tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I will carry for life.”
A Period of Leadership and Legacy
Kohli was captain of India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins, making him the most successful Indian Test captain of all time. He led India to become a formidable opponent on Indian soil and overseas, even taking India to two World Test Championship finals. Kohli’s aggressive approach to captaincy, meticulous attention to fitness levels, and elite standards for all things cricket instilled an elite mindset towards the long format of the game. Kohli took over as captain in 2014 from MS Dhoni for the longest-term under the captaincy of Kohli until he stepped down from the role in early 2022, adopting a culture of discipline and competition.
Declining Form and the Final Years
There is no denying Kohli was extraordinary between 2016 and 2019, when he averaged over 65, and while Kohli was enduring a drop in form in recent years, his last test century came in November 2024 when he hit 104 in Perth, his first century in over a year. There were discussions prior to the selectors for the forthcoming England series, and many were hopeful Kohli would participate, although Kohli has also confirmed to the BCCI the intent to retire.
The Era of RO-KO Has Come To an End
Kohli’s declaration comes just a few days after Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending one of India’s most iconic pairings in Test cricket history. With Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma all retiring, and Shami still recovering from injury, Indian Test cricket is in a transitional phase.
Shubman Gill is expected to lead the team going forward as India prepares for the future with a new core.
Teammates Pay Tribute
Cheteshwar Pujara, who played 93 Tests alongside Kohli, remarked:
“He gave everything to Test cricket. While most chased white-ball glory, Virat always saw Tests as the ultimate format.”
Pujara also credited Kohli for raising fitness standards and bringing discipline to the dressing room.
Kohli vs Other Great Test Captains
- 4th in all-time most Test wins as captain behind Smith (53), Ponting (48), and Waugh (41).
- Most Test wins by an Indian captain: Kohli (40), Dhoni (27), Ganguly (21).
14 Glorious Years of Red-Ball Cricket
- Debuted in 2011 against West Indies at Kingston.
- Played 123 Tests, scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 29 centuries.
- Captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 – the most by any Indian Test captain.
A Fitting Farewell
BCCI President Roger Binny praised Kohli’s contribution, calling him one of the finest to grace Test cricket. He mentioned Kohli’s insatiable appetite for runs and hunger for challenges in the toughest format of the game.
Kohli, whose journey started on a low note with low scores in West Indies in 2011, rose to prominence with his first century in Adelaide 2012. He then captured the cricketing world with excellent performances across Australia, England, and South Africa. However, his most memorable tour was in England in 2018, where he scored 593 runs at an average of 59.30—in essence putting to rest the critics from his disappointing tour in 2014.
A Wonderful Journey Comes to an End
Virat Kohli’s retirement signals the final chapter not just for Indian cricket, but for world cricket. He brought pride, passion and purpose to Test cricket. Kohli may no longer be wearing whites, however, his legacy will forever be emblazoned into Test cricket.