Virat Kohli Retirement: After Rohit, Virat also announced retirement from Test cricket

In a major development that has stunned Indian cricket fans, Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The news comes just days after Team India captain Rohit Sharma declared his retirement from the longest format on May 7 via an official post on social media.

Rohit’s announcement had already left fans emotional, and speculation quickly grew about whether Virat Kohli—often referred to as "King Kohli"—would follow suit. At the time, Virat had not issued any official statement. However, putting an end to the speculation, Kohli has now confirmed that he too is stepping away from Test cricket.

With both Kohli and Rohit retiring from the red-ball format, they will now be seen representing India only in One Day Internationals (ODIs). According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had urged Kohli to reconsider his decision, especially with a crucial tour of England on the horizon during the IPL season. Despite the request, Kohli has chosen to move forward with his retirement.

Kohli’s Test Career at a Glance

Virat Kohli’s Test career has been nothing short of remarkable. He has played a total of 123 Test matches, scoring 8,848 runs at an impressive average of 49.15. His record includes 27 centuries and 30 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 254.

As captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them—a record that ranks him among the most successful Indian Test captains. He played several memorable innings on foreign soil, particularly in challenging conditions in Australia and England, earning global respect for his technique and temperament.

The retirement of two modern-day greats—Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli—marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket, leaving fans both nostalgic and emotional.

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli has made an emotional post on social media. In which he said, "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.
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."