May 12, 2025 - Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The Indian star batsman shared the news through an Instagram post today, May 12. He had already said goodbye to international T20Is last year.

Now, at the age of 36, Kohli will focus only on ODIS.

While announcing his Test retirement, Kohli wrote, "I wore the baggy blue (India's Test cap) for the first time in Test cricket 14 years ago today. Honestly, I never imagined where this format would take me. This format has tested me, shaped me and taught me lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life."

Kohli’s Test Career: A Glorious Journey

Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in June 2011. Over the past 14 years, he has played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries.

Deep Connect with Test Cricket

Explaining the significance of Test cricket, Kohli wrote, "There is a deep personal feeling in playing in white. The silent work, the long struggle, the small moments -things no one sees but are etched in the mind for a lifetime."

Struggles in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

Kohli’s Test career made headlines during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held in Australia last November-January. In that series, he scored only 190 runs in 9 innings at an average of 23.75 over five Tests. Of the eight times he was dismissed, seven were caught behind the stumps while playing balls outside the off-stump.

Retirement: A Thoughtful Move

Though Kohli’s performance in the Australian series wasn’t ideal, many did not expect him to retire so soon. Sources from Indian media report that Kohli had informed the BCCI of his retirement decision a few days ago. However, the board requested him to reconsider his choice. Kohli, having made up his mind, wrote, "Now that I am stepping away from this format, it is not easy. But it feels like the right decision for me. I have given everything to Test cricket, and it has given me so much more."

A Heart Full of Gratitude

Kohli added, "I bid farewell with a heart full of gratitude - to this game, to the people who have accompanied me on the field, and to those who have given me respect and love along the way."

Reflecting on Test Career

Looking back at his journey as India’s 269th Test cricketer, Kohli wrote, "Looking back on my Test career will always bring a smile to my face."