Virat Kohli Retires: A Relentless Fighter Who Finally Chose to Step Away

On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a stellar 14-year career in the format. His decision follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement, marking the end of a golden era in Indian Test cricket.

A Career Marked by Brilliance

Kohli began his Test journey in 2011 and went on to become one of India’s greatest red-ball players. He played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. As captain, from 2014 to 2022, he led India to 40 wins in 68 matches, making him the most successful Indian Test captain and placing him among the top Test leaders globally.

During his tenure, he took India to two World Test Championship finals and became the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in Tests, following legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli also holds the Indian record for the most double centuries in Tests—seven in total.

A Heartfelt Goodbye

In a moving announcement, Kohli reflected on his long-standing love for the format. He spoke about the emotional depth and challenges of Test cricket and thanked fans, teammates, and his family for their unwavering support throughout his career.

His goodbye was shared through an emotional post on Instagram, where he acknowledged the end of a deeply personal journey with the red ball and expressed his gratitude for everything the format had taught him.

Not the End of the Road

Though he’s leaving Test cricket, Kohli isn’t hanging up his boots entirely. He remains active in white-ball cricket and continues to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His recent standout performance—a match-winning hundred against Pakistan in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy—shows he still has plenty to offer.

Outside the game, Kohli has hinted at focusing more on family and personal time. In a past conversation with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, he spoke about traveling and embracing a slower pace of life after cricket.

Leaving Behind a Lasting Legacy

Virat Kohli’s exit from Test cricket is a monumental moment for Indian sports. Known for his passion, aggressive style, and unwavering determination, Kohli changed the face of Indian cricket. His leadership, consistency, and mental strength made him not only a role model but a force to be reckoned with on the field.

As he moves on from red-ball cricket, his impact will be remembered for generations. Fans and fellow players will celebrate his achievements, and his presence will continue to be felt in the shorter formats and beyond the boundary.