The former India captain draws curtains on an illustrious Test career marked by passion, performance, and leadership
May 11, 2025, New Delhi:
In a moment that marks the end of an era in Indian cricket, former Team India captain Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed the development in an emotional post on X (formerly Twitter), thanking Kohli for his remarkable contribution to red-ball cricket.
"Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER!" the BCCI posted.
"His contributions to Team India will forever be cherished."
With this announcement, one of the greatest Test careers in modern cricket history comes to a close, leaving fans around the world in a state of reflection and admiration.
A Test Career That Inspired a Generation
Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, quickly rose to become the backbone of India’s batting lineup. Over the span of 14 years, he played 113 Test matches, scoring more than 8,800 runs at an average of over 49, including 29 centuries and 28 half-centuries. Known for his aggression, consistency, and hunger for big scores, Kohli redefined the role of a modern-day Test batter.
As a captain, he transformed India into a dominant force in red-ball cricket. Under his leadership, India achieved the number one ranking in ICC Test rankings, and famously won back-to-back Test series in Australia — a feat never achieved before by an Asian team.
Leadership Beyond Numbers
Kohli’s influence extended beyond stats. His fitness revolution, never-say-die attitude, and focus on fast bowling strength reshaped the culture of the Indian Test team. His belief in winning abroad and his fierce competitiveness made India formidable on all surfaces.
During his captaincy tenure, India won 40 out of 68 Tests, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history.
Global Reactions and Fan Tributes
The announcement triggered an outpouring of reactions from the cricket fraternity and fans alike. Cricket legends, former teammates, and international players took to social media to salute Kohli's legacy in the longest format.
Fans flooded platforms like X and Instagram with tributes, videos, and emotional messages, many calling him the "modern-day Test maestro" and "a true warrior of red-ball cricket."
What’s Next for Kohli?
Though Kohli has stepped away from Test cricket, he is expected to continue playing in white-ball formats and the Indian Premier League (IPL). With the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, fans hope to see more of Kohli's magic in limited-overs cricket.
Legacy That Will Live On
Virat Kohli’s name is etched among the greats — from Sachin Tendulkar to Rahul Dravid — not only for his records but also for the spirit with which he played the game. His Test retirement signifies the end of an era, but his legacy will inspire generations to come.
