NEW DELHI, India — On Monday, the illustrious Virat Kohli announced his retirement from test cricket, bringing an end to a distinguished 14-year journey that saw him participate in 123 test matches. Kohli, who made his debut against the West Indies in 2011, has been a foundational pillar for India since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013.
Reflecting on his decision, Kohli shared on Instagram, “Stepping away from this format is difficult, yet it feels right. My journey began 14 years ago with the baggy blue in Test cricket. The experiences in this format have been unparalleled; they’ve challenged, shaped, and taught me life lessons I’ll carry forever.”
At 36, Kohli’s decision to retire closely follows another notable retirement, that of Rohit Sharma, further altering India’s lineup before their upcoming tour of England. With two senior batters retiring, India faces the task of appointing a new captain and reorganizing their batting order ahead of the five-test series commencing June 20.
Throughout his test career, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, boasting an average of 46.85. Notably, he captained India in 68 tests, achieving 40 victories — the most for an Indian leader in test history.
Kohli’s impact extends beyond the field, being a globally recognized cricket figure with a massive social media following, including 271 million on Instagram and nearly 68 million on another platform. While he steps away from test cricket, Kohli intends to continue playing in one-day internationals and remains actively engaged in the Twenty20 Indian Premier League, which was recently paused amid rising tensions with Pakistan.
The intricate traditions and nuances of the five-day game hold profound significance for Kohli. He fondly recalls “the silent perseverance, endless days, and unseen moments that enrich the soul.”
Expressing heartfelt gratitude, he remarked, “I’m leaving with immense appreciation for the sport, teammates, and everyone who supported me along my journey. I’ll always cherish my test career. #269, signing off.”
Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest test run-scorer, behind icons like Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. He also holds the title for the most double centuries by an Indian in tests, surpassing Tendulkar by one with seven.
His role as captain was a highlight; he led the team to 40 test victories, eclipsing predecessors MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly. Globally, he ranks fourth in test wins as captain, trailing South Africa’s Graeme Smith and Australia’s Ricky Ponting and Stephen Waugh.
Under Kohli’s leadership, India ascended to the top of the International Cricket Council’s test rankings post-2014-15 and maintained its dominance for five years. A remarkable milestone was the historic 2018 test series win against Australia on their turf.
Speculation about Kohli’s test future had intensified since India’s tour of Australia concluded earlier in the year. Although he hit a 30th test century in Perth, his form dipped, culminating in 190 runs from nine innings at a 23.75 average. Nevertheless, his legacy in Indian and world cricket remains indelible.
“Virat Kohli, thank you. Though an era of test cricket concludes, his legacy will endure eternally,” acknowledged the Board of Control for Cricket in India. “His contributions to team India will always be celebrated!”