Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, bringing an end to a 14-year journey in the longest format of the game that saw him redefine Indian cricket with his passion, intensity, and unparalleled skill.
The announcement, made on May 12, 2025, via an emotional Instagram post, has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, leaving fans, teammates, and analysts reflecting on his monumental contributions to red-ball cricket.
Kohli, widely regarded as one of the modern era’s greatest batters, concluded his Test career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
As India’s most successful Test captain, he led the team in 68 matches, securing 40 victories, a record that places him among the elite in global cricket history. His aggressive leadership and commitment to fitness transformed India into a formidable Test-playing nation, holding the number-one ranking for 42 months during his tenure.
In his heartfelt farewell, Kohli expressed gratitude for the game and its fans, stating, ‘As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right… I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude.’ He cited personal conviction in the timing of his decision, despite efforts from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and former teammates to persuade him to continue.
The decision follows a challenging period, including a lean run of form during India’s recent 0-3 series loss to New Zealand and struggles in Australia, where he managed 93 runs in six innings.
Why retire now?
Speculation surrounding Kohli’s retirement has been rife. Some reports suggest disappointment over a potential captaincy reversal for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy may have influenced his choice, though Kohli has not publicly confirmed this.
Others, including former India coach Ravi Shastri, believe the relentless demands of leading across formats and constant public scrutiny played a role. ‘He gave his everything,’ Shastri noted, emphasizing that Kohli has no regrets about his decision.
Will play ODIs and IPL
While Kohli has bid farewell to Test cricket, he remains committed to playing One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Having retired from T20 Internationals in June 2024, Kohli’s focus will now center on the 50-over format, where he holds the record for the most centuries (50) and is just 770 runs shy of 14,000 ODI runs. His continued participation in ODIs, despite the format’s declining frequency outside World Cups, has raised eyebrows, with former players questioning the choice to prioritize a format with only 7-8 matches annually over Tests.
Nevertheless, Kohli’s passion for limited-overs cricket remains evident, particularly in the IPL, where he is currently enjoying a stellar 2025 season, drawing massive crowds and fueling fan campaigns to honor his Test legacy by wearing his No. 18 jersey.
Interestingly, Kohli’s retirement from international Tests does not rule out a potential stint in first-class cricket. Middlesex, a County Championship side, has expressed keen interest in signing the 36-year-old for a red-ball stint at Lord’s, potentially alongside Kane Williamson. ‘Virat Kohli is the most iconic player of his generation,’ said Middlesex director of cricket Alan Coleman, hinting at discussions that could see Kohli return to England’s domestic circuit. Such a move would allow fans to witness his artistry in whites, even if not in India’s colors.
Cricket stars pay tribute
The cricketing fraternity has showered Kohli with tributes.
Former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain praised his transformative impact, with Hussain noting, ‘He made India the force they are today.’ Kumar Dharmasena, a respected umpire, called Kohli’s retirement a ‘sad day for cricket,’ cherishing a signed No. 18 Test jersey as a memento. Meanwhile, former teammates like Manoj Tiwary and Yograj Singh urged Kohli to reconsider, citing his fitness and ability to inspire younger players.