Virat Kohli steps down from Test cricket

Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket. The announcement comes just days before India is set to embark on a challenging five-Test tour of England, which kicks off on 20 June.

This milestone decision follows the recent retirement of captain Rohit Sharma, adding a sense of finality to a transformative era in Indian cricket.

The 36-year-old Kohli, has left an indelible mark on the sport over his illustrious 14-year career, having played 123 Tests for India and amassed an impressive 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli reflected in a heartfelt social media post. “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.”

Having made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, Kohli quickly cemented his reputation as a powerhouse in the cricketing world. He captained India in 68 Tests, achieving a remarkable 40 victories, which makes him the country’s most successful captain in the format’s history. Kohli’s contributions have placed him in a fraternity of batting greats alongside England’s Joe Root, Australia’s Steve Smith, and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

In his announcement, Kohli shared, “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.”

Reflecting on his career statistics, Kohli stands out with 30 Test centuries to his name—only behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar in terms of runs scored for India. Notably, he also holds the record for the most centuries by an Indian captain, with 20. However, Kohli’s recent performances have raised eyebrows; his last Test century came in the first Test against Australia in November, marking his first remarkable innings in a dry spell of 15 innings over 16 months.

During the last series, Kohli recorded just 190 runs in nine innings with an average of 23.75, and his performance has waned with only three centuries in 39 Tests since January 2020, resulting in a concerning average of 30.72 in that timeframe. Despite these struggles, Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket remains untarnished as he walks away with the respect and admiration of fans and teammates alike.

As Kohli bids adieu to Test cricket, he emphasises his gratitude, stating, “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.”