Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: A Legendary Chapter Closes Ahead of England Series
NEW DELHI: In a seismic moment for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, the talismanic batter and former captain, has announced his retirement from Test cricket just days before the much-anticipated series against England. This decision marks the end of a glorious chapter for one of the greatest players to ever don the Indian whites, leaving behind a legacy that redefined modern cricket in the country.
Kohli, known for his unwavering intensity, exceptional fitness, and relentless passion, has been a cornerstone of India’s Test batting lineup for over a decade. The 36-year-old hangs up his Test boots after an illustrious career spanning 123 matches, during which he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 48.7. His tally includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with many of those knocks coming under pressure on foreign soil, earning him the tag of a modern-day great.
His final Test outing came during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, a series that served as a poignant yet challenging farewell. Despite a gritty century in the opening Test at Perth—a knock that reminded fans of his vintage form—Kohli struggled thereafter, managing just 190 runs across five matches. A staggering 85 runs came in his last four Tests, with his vulnerability against the moving ball starkly evident. Eight of his ten dismissals in the series were via edges to the slip cordon, a statistic that fueled discussions about his recent form on seaming tracks.
While Kohli’s class and commitment were never in question, his diminishing returns in challenging overseas conditions over the past couple of years sparked debates about his place in the Test side. His retirement, though emotional for fans, comes as a pragmatic acknowledgment of the need to pave the way for the next generation of Indian batters.
Reflecting on his journey, Kohli’s Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 marked the beginning of a transformative career. He quickly evolved into the backbone of India’s middle order, blending classical technique with a fiery competitive spirit. As captain, he revolutionized Indian Test cricket, prioritizing fitness and aggression. Under his leadership from 2014 to 2022, India played 68 Tests, securing 40 victories—a record unmatched by any other Indian skipper. His crowning achievement as captain was leading India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19, alongside taking the team to the pinnacle of the ICC Test rankings.
Beyond numbers, Kohli’s influence transcended the field. He inspired a generation of cricketers to believe in dominating opposition on their home turf, turning India into a formidable touring side. His iconic celebrations, intense duels with bowlers, and ability to chase down targets in the fourth innings—like the unforgettable 149 at Edgbaston in 2018—will remain etched in the memories of cricket aficionados.
While Kohli has expressed his intention to continue representing India in ODIs and possibly T20Is, his absence from the Test arena will leave a significant void. As tributes pour in from fans, teammates, and cricketing legends worldwide, the consensus is clear: Kohli didn’t just play Test cricket; he redefined it for India. Social media platforms are abuzz with #ThankYouVirat trending globally, as supporters reminisce about his marathon innings and captaincy masterstrokes.
As Indian cricket braces for the England series without its linchpin, the focus now shifts to who will fill the colossal void left by Kohli at number four. Youngsters like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have big shoes to fill, but Kohli’s departure also signals the dawn of a new era. For now, though, the cricket world pauses to salute a legend who turned challenges into triumphs and made Test cricket in India a spectacle of grit and glory.