Virat Kohli Retirement from Test Cricket: A Look Back at His Legendary Career

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Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket – A Tearful Goodbye to the Baggy Blue

In an emotional Instagram post that sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 14-year-long illustrious career in the sport’s purest format.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life… I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” Kohli wrote in his heartfelt message.

This announcement comes just a week after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, marking a significant transition phase for Indian cricket. With two of India’s biggest stars stepping away, the team now faces the challenge of rebuilding its Test squad.

Virat Kohli’s Test Career in Numbers

Matches Played: 123
Runs Scored: 9,230
Batting Average: 46.9
Highest Score: 254*
Centuries: 30
Half-Centuries: 31

Kohli leaves the game as one of India’s greatest Test batsmen, with his name etched alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Kohli’s Legacy: India’s Most Successful Test Captain

Virat Kohli wasn’t just a batting maestro—he was also India’s most successful Test captain. Under his leadership:

Matches as Captain: 68
Wins: 40
Win Percentage: 58.82% (Best among Indian captains)

Kohli’s aggressive captaincy, fitness revolution, and passion for Test cricket transformed India into a dominant force, especially in overseas conditions. When he took over from MS Dhoni in 2014, India was ranked 7th in Tests—by the time he stepped down in 2022, they were world No. 1.

The Final Chapter: A Dip in Form & the Road Ahead

While Kohli had a brief resurgence in 2023, his form in Tests had been inconsistent since 2020. His performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia was a mixed bag—despite a stunning century in Perth, he struggled in other matches, and India suffered a crushing series defeat.

With both Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring, India now faces the challenge of touring England with a relatively inexperienced Test squad. The big question is: Who will fill the void left by these two giants?

A Leader Who Revived Test Cricket’s Glory

Kohli’s love for Test cricket was unmatched. At a time when T20 leagues were dominating, he championed the longest format, ensuring India remained competitive worldwide. His fiery passion, relentless work ethic, and never-say-die attitude inspired a generation of cricketers.

As the curtains close on his Test career, fans will forever remember Virat Kohli—the run-machine, the fierce captain, and the man who redefined Indian cricket.

What’s Next for King Kohli?

While he has retired from Tests, Kohli will continue playing ODIs and T20Is, keeping fans hopeful for more memorable performances in white-ball cricket.

Final Thoughts

Virat Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His contributions to Test cricket go beyond numbers—he redefined aggression, fitness, and mental toughness in the sport.

What’s your favorite Virat Kohli Test moment? Share in the comments!

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Rahul Mandal

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