Virat Kohli Announced Retirement From Test Cricket: An Era Ends

The news that Virat Kohli wants to retire from test cricket was made a few days ago. Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has finally announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, ending an amazing red-ball career that redefined modern batting and leadership, in a touching letter shared with fans around the world.

Kohli Announces Retirement Via Social Media

In an early Monday morning social media post, the 36-year-old former Indian captain announced the news and thanked his teammates, coaches, supporters, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for their steadfast support throughout the last 14 years.

He posted a photo on instagram with a caption on it that “Playing Test cricket for India has been the greatest honor of my life," Kohli wrote. "The whites have always held a special place in my heart, and while it is incredibly difficult to step away, I know in my heart that the time is right”.

Virat Kohli Test Career

When Kohli played his first Test match against the West Indies in 2011, he immediately became one of the best batsmen in the world. He raised the bar for Indian cricket with his aggressive intent, unmatched fitness, and constant drive for achievement. Kohli led India in 68 Test matches during his tenure as captain from 2014 to 2022, winning 40 of them, the highest of any Indian captain. 

As an example of his consistency and domination in all formats, since his retirement he has played 123 test matches with nearly 9,500 Test runs, 30 hundreds, and a career average above 46.85.

Under Kohli leadership, India became ICC No.1 Test ranking team

During his leadership, India became an imposing opponent in international settings, won historic series wins in Australia (2018–19), and climbed to the top of the Test rankings. Kohli continued to play a crucial role in the team's batting lineup even after resigning as captain, frequently guiding innings when things became tight.