On May 12, 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The news, shared through a heartfelt Instagram post and reported by ESPNcricinfo on X, marks a significant transition for both Kohli and Indian cricket. As the cricketing world absorbs the reality of Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, this blog reflects on his illustrious career, recent performances, the upcoming England series, and what lies ahead for the Indian team and Kohli himself.
The Announcement: Virat Kohli Retires with Gratitude
Kohli chose Instagram to share his decision with fans, a post that ESPNcricinfo highlighted in their X thread. Alongside an image of him in his Test whites, he wrote:
“In Test cricket. Honestly, never imagined the journey this format would be in 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. It’s been an honor to represent my country, shaped me, taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could have hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269 signing off.”
Signed off with his Test cap number 269, the post reflects Kohli’s deep connection to the format and his readiness to move on at 36. The phrase Virat Kohli retires began trending globally as fans and analysts reacted to the news, which came after Kohli informed the BCCI of his intent to step away ahead of India’s Test tour of England starting June 20, 2025. This follows his earlier retirement from T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup victory, signaling a shift in focus toward ODIs.
A Storied Test Career: The Highlights
Kohli’s Test career began in June 2011 against the West Indies in Kingston, where he scored 4 and 15 in his debut match. Though his start was modest, he quickly rose to become one of India’s most dependable batters. Over 123 Tests, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 49.10, with 29 centuries and 31 fifties, placing him fourth on India’s all-time Test run-scorers list, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
His career is studded with iconic performances. One of his finest knocks came in 2018 at Edgbaston, where he scored 149 in a losing cause against England, battling a potent bowling attack led by James Anderson. Another standout was his 254* against South Africa in Pune in 2019, a masterclass in concentration and dominance. Kohli also played a pivotal role in India’s 2014-15 Australia tour, scoring 692 runs in four Tests, including twin centuries in Adelaide (115 and 141), announcing himself as a global force.
As a captain, Kohli was transformative. Leading India in 68 Tests, he secured 40 wins, making him India’s most successful Test captain. His tenure included historic back-to-back series victories in Australia in 2018-19 and 2020-21, a feat no other Asian team had achieved. Kohli’s leadership instilled a culture of fitness and aggression, turning India into a Test powerhouse. His 235 in Mumbai against England in 2016, during a series where India won 4-0, exemplified his ability to lead from the front.
Kohli’s consistency across conditions set him apart. He averaged 54.80 in Australia, 48.82 in South Africa, and 44.72 in England, proving his mettle on challenging overseas pitches. The news of Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket brings an end to an era where he was a symbol of resilience and excellence in whites.
Recent Performances: Signs of a Transition
Kohli’s form in Test cricket over the last few years had been under scrutiny, which likely influenced his decision to retire. Since 2020, he scored 1,862 runs in 34 Tests at an average of 32.10, a stark contrast to his peak years between 2016 and 2019, where he averaged over 60. His last Test century came in November 2024 against Australia, a gritty 100 in Perth, but such performances were rare in his final years.
The 2024 home series against New Zealand was particularly challenging, with Kohli managing just 93 runs in three Tests at an average of 15.50. India’s 0-3 whitewash in that series, their first home Test series loss since 2012, put pressure on senior players, including Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who also retired from Tests days before Virat Kohli retires was announced. Earlier, in the 2023-24 Australia tour, Kohli averaged 23.75 across five Tests, struggling against disciplined bowling attacks.
Despite these struggles, Kohli showed glimpses of his old self. His 76 in Centurion against South Africa in 2023 was a reminder of his class, as was his 121 in Trinidad against the West Indies in the same year. However, at 36, with the physical and mental demands of Test cricket mounting, and with a young family to prioritize, Kohli likely felt the timing was right to step away from the format. The Virat Kohli retires announcement, while anticipated by some, still marks a significant moment for Indian cricket.
The England Series: A New Chapter for India
Kohli’s retirement comes just before India’s five-match Test series in England, starting June 20, 2025, as part of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle. India recently completed a 3-0 ODI series win against England, with the third match in Ahmedabad on May 8, 2025, ending in a 142-run victory, boosted by centuries from Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. However, Test cricket in England poses a different challenge, especially without Kohli and Sharma in the lineup.
India’s batting will now rely on a younger core, with Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and KL Rahul expected to anchor the top order. Gill, who is likely to take over as Test captain, will face a stern test against an England side led by Ben Stokes, with bowlers like James Anderson (if he continues) and Ollie Robinson posing threats. The absence of Kohli at No. 4, a position he held with authority for over a decade, leaves a void. Emerging talents like Sai Sudharsan, who has impressed in domestic cricket and county stints, might step up, but replicating Kohli’s experience and aura will be a challenge.
India’s bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, will need to be at its best to support a relatively inexperienced batting lineup. The Virat Kohli retires news adds pressure on the team to adapt quickly, as they aim to start the new WTC cycle on a strong note. For fans, the series will be a poignant reminder of Kohli’s absence, especially in England, where he played some of his most memorable knocks.
Kohli’s Future and India’s Transition
With Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, his focus now shifts to ODIs, where he remains a key figure for India. As the leading run-scorer in ODI history with 13,906 runs and a record 50 centuries, Kohli will likely aim to lead India in the 2027 World Cup, potentially his last major international tournament. His decision to step away from Tests allows him to manage his workload and prolong his career in the 50-over format, where he continues to excel.
For India, Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era. With Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane no longer in the Test fold, and Mohammed Shami’s form uncertain, the team is in the midst of a generational shift. The likes of Jaiswal, Gill, and Pant represent the future, but the transition will test their mettle, especially in high-pressure overseas conditions.
Kohli’s contributions to Test cricket—both as a batter and captain—will be remembered for years to come. His leadership in taking India to the top of the Test rankings, his hunger for runs, and his ability to inspire a generation of cricketers define his legacy. While the Virat Kohli retires headlines signal the close of a chapter, his impact on the game endures, and his journey in ODIs promises more milestones ahead.
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