Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: “I Gave It My All”
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In a heartfelt message shared on May 12, 2025, Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format of the game. Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, expressed deep gratitude for the journey, stating, “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 7 double centuries. He served as India’s Test captain from 2014 to 2022, leading the team to 40 victories in 68 matches—the most by any Indian skipper. Under his leadership, India achieved significant milestones, including a historic Test series win in Australia during the 2018–19 tour.
Kohli’s retirement comes shortly after captain Rohit Sharma also stepped down from Test cricket, marking the end of an era for Indian cricket. Despite his departure from the red-ball format, Kohli will continue to play in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and remains available for ODI selection.
His decision has been met with widespread admiration and respect from the cricketing community, acknowledging his immense contributions to the sport and his role in elevating India’s stature in Test cricket.
