Virat Kohli: Curtains on Test Cricket! King Formally Announces Retirement, Says Decision Not Easy'

Virat Kohli: In an emotional Instagram post, cricket icon Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a glorious 14-year journey in whites.

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Neha Kumari
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Virat Kohli

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In an emotional Instagram post, cricket icon Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a glorious 14-year journey in whites. The legendary batter, who debuted in 2011, shared heartfelt reflections on the lessons, challenges, and memories that came with the longest format of the game.

Virat Kohli: Curtains on Test Cricket! King Formally Announces Retirement

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites… I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for,” Kohli wrote.

Known for his fierce intensity, relentless work ethic, and unmatched passion, Kohli leaves behind a legacy defined by remarkable innings, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment.

Calling his decision “not easy – but it feels right"

Calling his decision “not easy – but it feels right,” he signed off his Test career as India’s 269th Test player with a “heart full of gratitude” for the game, his teammates, and the fans who stood by him through every high and low.

Over the course of his Test career, Kohli featured in 113 matches, amassing over 8,000 runs with 29 centuries to his name. His leadership transformed India’s Test side into a dominant force, particularly overseas—a feat many Indian captains had struggled to achieve before. His tenure as captain saw historic wins in Australia and competitive series abroad, marking a golden era in Indian Test cricket.

The cricketing fraternity and fans across the globe have begun pouring in their tributes, recalling iconic moments—from his Adelaide ton in 2014 to the aggressive captaincy that redefined India’s approach to the format. For many, Kohli wasn’t just a player in whites—he was the emotion, the energy, and the fight that symbolized modern-day Test cricket.

#269, signing off.

Virat Kohli