Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.
Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, became one of the most iconic and passionate figures in red-ball cricket. In an emotional statement shared on social media, the former Indian captain expressed his deep connection to the format, writing, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites… the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments no one sees.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest Test players of his generation, Kohli led India in 68 Tests — winning 40 of them — making him India’s most successful Test captain. Under his leadership, India reached the top of the ICC Test rankings and famously secured a historic Test series victory in Australia in 2018–19.
“Stepping away is not easy, but it feels right,” Kohli said. “I walk away with immense gratitude — for the game, my teammates, and every fan who stood by me.”
Though Kohli will no longer don the whites, he is expected to continue playing in limited-overs formats. His exit from Test cricket leaves behind a legacy defined by aggression, passion, and an unshakeable commitment to excellence.
