Indian superstar Virat Kohli announced he has retired from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 14-year career in whites.
The 36-year-old confirmed the rumours of his Test retirement – first reported on Saturday – with a media release on Monday morning.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” said the veteran.
“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. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
On Saturday, it was reported that Kohli was in conversations with the BCCI about retiring from the format before the highly anticipated five-match tour of England in June. While the former captain was expected to be part of the touring squad, Kohli has not been shining in the Test match arena of late.
A century against Australia in Perth in November 2024 was his first in over 16 months. Over the last two years, Kohli has averaged just 32.56 in Test whites, arguably prompting his decision to shelve his baggy blue.
Kohli first captained the India Test side in 2014. He would lead India through a purple patch, where they won 40 out of 68 Tests, losing only 17, making him India’s most successful Test captain.
The stalwart retires with impressive Test numbers of 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, along with 30 centuries.
