Virat Kohli confirmed his retirement from Test cricket by sharing an emotional post on Instagram.
“#269, Signing Off”: Virat Kohli Bids an Emotional Farewell to Test Cricket
Indian cricket has witnessed the end of an era. Legendary batter Virat Kohli has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtains down on a glorious 14-year journey in whites. The 36-year-old made the heartfelt announcement through an emotional Instagram post on Monday, May 12, just days after India’s Test captain Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the longest format of the game.
This decision, though speculated for days, still sent a wave of disbelief across the cricketing world. It was reported that the BCCI had been in discussions with Kohli to reconsider, but the man who wore his passion on his sleeve seems to have made peace with his choice.
“I Gave It My All, and It Gave Me More Than I Ever Dreamed Of”
In his post, Kohli wrote:
“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.”
His words carried the weight of experience, sacrifice, and immense pride. Kohli spoke about the essence of Test cricket—the “quiet grind”, the “long days”, and the “small moments no one sees but 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.”
He ended the note with a simple, moving line that will now live on in memory:
“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
A Glorious Test Career: Stats That Speak, Legacy That Echoes
Virat Kohli’s Test numbers are staggering. In 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score—254 not out—is etched in Indian cricket’s golden pages.
But Kohli’s impact goes far beyond numbers. He captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them—the most by any Indian skipper. Under his aggressive, fitness-driven leadership, Team India developed a world-beating pace attack and started winning consistently overseas.
He is also one of the famed ‘Fab Four’ of modern cricket, alongside Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson—all batters who redefined Test excellence in the 2010s.
Only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar have scored more Test runs for India.
The Final Stretch: A Dip in Form, But Not in Passion
While his recent numbers weren’t as dominant—just three centuries in his last 39 Tests—Kohli’s commitment and presence never faded. His most recent century, a 100 against Australia in November*, came after a 16-month drought, showing that grit was still very much a part of his DNA.
Between January 2020 and retirement, he averaged 30.72, a far cry from his peak, but Kohli’s name still filled stadiums and inspired millions.
A Wave of Departures, and the End of a Generation
Kohli’s retirement marks the third major Test exit from the Indian team in recent months. Ravichandran Ashwin bid adieu in December 2024, followed by Rohit Sharma in early May. Now, Kohli joins them, signaling the end of an iconic generation of Indian cricket. Speculation also looms around veteran pacer Mohammed Shami, hinting at further transitions ahead.
No 10,000 Runs – But No Regrets Either
He may not have reached the 10,000-run milestone in Tests, falling short by just 770 runs, but Kohli walks away with something much bigger—respect, reverence, and a legacy that will inspire generations.
Whether battling in Australia, leading fiery comebacks in England, or setting new standards at home, Kohli was never just playing for stats—he was playing for pride, for India, and for the love of the game.
Virat Kohli in Tests – Career Snapshot
- Matches: 123
- Runs: 9,230
- Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 30
- Fifties: 31
- Highest Score: 254*
- Tests as Captain: 68 (40 Wins – Most by an Indian)
Farewell, King Kohli – Thank You for the Whites
As Kohli now turns his attention to the shorter formats—having retired from T20Is in 2024 post the World Cup win—he leaves behind a Test career that redefined passion and purpose.
The whites may be hung up, but the memories, the fire in his eyes, and the roar after every century will stay with us forever.
