BREAKING! Virat Kohli Retires From Test Cricket, Says, 'Walking Away With A Heart Full Of Gratitude!'

BREAKING! Virat Kohli Retires From Test Cricket, Says, 'Walking Away With A Heart Full Of Gratitude!'

Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The star Indian batter, who debuted in 2011 against the West Indies, confirmed his decision via Instagram, where he shared an emotional note reflecting on his career.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the Indian jersey in Test cricket,” Kohli wrote. “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.”

Kohli’s Test career spanned 123 matches, during which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 48.96. His tally includes 30 centuries and 29 fifties. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests between 2014 and 2022, securing 40 wins — the most by any Indian captain and placing him fourth globally in all-time Test wins as skipper.

His leadership also saw India dominate world cricket, holding the ICC Test mace for five consecutive years and clinching a historic 2-1 Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 — a first for India on Australian soil.

Kohli’s record against Australia is particularly impressive. He amassed 2,232 runs in 30 matches, including nine centuries — seven of which came in Australia. These performances were crucial to India’s Test success down under.

“There’s something deeply personal about Test cricket,” Kohli noted in his post. “As I step away from this format, I do so with immense gratitude. I’ve given my all, and now I walk away with a heart full of appreciation — for the game, my teammates, and the fans.”

Kohli’s final Test came during India’s recent 3-1 series loss to Australia in January 2025. While he has already stepped away from T20Is, Kohli is expected to continue in ODIs.

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