On May 12, 2025, the cricketing world received impactful news with the announcement that renowned Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket at the age of 36. This announcement holds significant weight, especially as it comes just weeks before India’s expected five-Test tour of England, commencing on June 20. Kohli’s retirement marks a pivotal moment for Indian cricket, as it comes on the heels of another major retirement, that of captain Rohit Sharma, just days earlier.
Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive tally of 9,230 runs from 123 Test matches, he has maintained an average of 46.85, solidifying his legacy as one of India’s greats. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared on social media that he never envisioned the path that Test cricket would take him on, emphasizing the challenges it posed as well as the invaluable lessons learned over the last 14 years since he first donned the baggy blue cap.
His career took flight in 2011 with a debut against West Indies, and he quickly quickly ascended to become the captain, leading India in a remarkable 68 Tests. Under his leadership, the Indian team achieved 40 victories, making Kohli the most successful captain in India’s Test history. His decision to retire is accompanied by a sense of fulfillment, as he acknowledged the personal significance of playing in whites, citing the “quiet grind” of Test cricket and the lasting memories crafted through it.
In the wake of his retirement, it is particularly notable that he retired from Twenty20 Internationals in 2024 following India’s triumph in the World Cup, yet he remains committed to one-day internationals. Kohli’s illustrious batting history shines, as he has amassed 30 Test centuries and stands behind only legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar in terms of Test runs for India. Additionally, Kohli holds the record for the most centuries as an India captain, totaling 20—an impressive feat.
Despite his phenomenal achievements, Kohli’s recent performance provides a nuanced perspective on his retirement. His last Test century occurred in a match against Australia in November, where he scored 100 not out, marking a significant milestone amid a challenging period where he was averaging just 30.72 with three tons over 39 Tests since January 2020.
Beyond the statistics, Kohli is acutely acknowledged for the impact he has had on Test cricket as a format, a sport increasingly overshadowed by the rise of T20 leagues around the globe. His dynamic presence in the cricketing arena has not only redefined the game in India but has also helped to uphold the Test format’s relevance amidst global changes in viewer preferences and formats.
In a poignant analysis by chief cricket reporter Stephan Shemilt, Kohli’s departure signifies the end of an era for cricket’s most vibrant showman who carved a unique space for himself in the hearts of Indian fans—something unmatched by even the most famous global sports figures. His distinctive batting style, notably his cover drive, and his ability to connect deeply with the audience earmark him as an artist of the game.
As the Indian cricket landscape shifts, the forthcoming Test matches will be played without Kohli and Sharma, presenting a new chapter for the team. However, the legacy that Kohli leaves behind will forever resonate with players and fans alike, reminding them of the enriched narratives — filled with skill, passion, and commitment to cricket that he has embodied throughout his illustrious career. The cricket fraternity now bids farewell to one of its most iconic figures, hopeful for the future yet nostalgic for the memories Kohli has created on the grand stage of Test cricket.