End of the Virat Era in Indian Cricket – Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket After a Glorious 14-Year Career

End of the Virat Era in Indian Cricket – Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket After a Glorious 14-Year Career

Marking the end of an era in Indian Test cricket, batting star Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, following in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma, who recently retired as well. Indian batsman Virat Kohli has brought his 14-year glittering Test career to a close, just days after Rohit's retirement announcement.

Debuting in 2011, Kohli played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. He is expected to remain available for One Day Internationals. The 36-year-old had previously retired from T20 Internationals following India’s second T20 World Cup victory in the West Indies.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the Baggy Blue cap in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined this journey in this format would go so far,” Kohli said in an Instagram post on Monday.

“This format has tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons that will stay with me for life.
“There is a unique personal feeling about playing in whites. The silent battles, the long days, the small moments—ones no one sees but are forever etched in memory.”

Kohli’s last Test match ended in January with a 3-1 series loss to Australia, which saw India lose the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. However, his tenure as captain from 2014 to 2022 remains one of the most memorable periods in Indian cricket. Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them, making him the most successful Test captain in Indian history. He ranks fourth in the list of most Test wins by a captain.

Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more Test victories as captains than Kohli.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India lost just 17 Tests. He also led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, where they lost to New Zealand. In the second WTC final in 2023, India again faced defeat, this time at the hands of Australia.

“I walk away with a heart full of gratitude—for the game, for those I’ve played with on the field, and for every person who has shown me love and respect throughout this journey,” Kohli added.

“I will always remember my Test career with a smile.”

India’s next Test series is a five-match contest in England, beginning on June 20.