By Sushant Agarwal
Published on | May 12, 2025
After 14 iconic years, Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Tests, bringing a glorious chapter in Indian cricket to a close.
“As I step away... I’ve given it everything I had... walking away with a heart full of gratitude,” Kohli posted on Instagram.
Test debut in 2011 vs West Indies. First century came in Adelaide 2012 — a gritty 116 when others failed, marking his arrival.
– 123 Tests – 9230 Runs – Avg: 46.85 – 30 Centuries, 31 Fifties – 7 Double Hundreds (most by any Indian)
– 68 Tests as captain – 40 Wins (highest for India) – 17 Losses, 11 Draws – Win %: 58.82
Under Kohli, India became the first Asian side to win a Test series in Australia — a historic 2-1 triumph in 2018–19.
– 20 centuries as captain (most by an Indian) – Only Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar have more overall Test tons for India.
In his last tour to Australia, Kohli managed just 190 runs in 9 innings — a quiet end to an otherwise dominant run.
With Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin gone, India heads to England without their three greats and a fresh lineup. A new era begins with big shoes to fill.
From a fiery youngster to India’s greatest red-ball leader, Kohli leaves behind an unmatched legacy in the longest format.