Virat Kohli Retirement highlights: World cricket pays tribute as Kohli exits Test arena

ndia’s star batter Shubman Gill penned a heartfelt tribute on social media following Virat Kohli’s announcement of his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. The 36-year-old Kohli called time on his illustrious red-ball career just days before India are set to name their squad for the upcoming tour of England. Kohli, who debuted in 2011, played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His retirement post on Instagram came five days after India captain Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the longest format.


"Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me," Gill wrote on his social media handle.

"From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can – you’ve not just inspired a generation, you’ve reshaped the mindset of millions. I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment," he added.

"Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @imVkohli paji," Gill concluded.

Kohli, who mainly batted at number four, struck 30 Test centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 254 not out.

"It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli posted on his official feed, which has 271 million followers.

"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.

"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."

A symbol of intensity and commitment, Kohli also leaves behind a legacy as India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins and 17 losses in 68 matches. He stepped down from the captaincy in 2022. The only captains close to his record are MS Dhoni (27 wins in 60 Tests) and Sourav Ganguly (21 in 49).

"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," Kohli wrote.

"I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."

India legend Sachin Tendulkar shared an emotional message for Virat Kohli following the latter’s announcement of his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Tendulkar took to social media to express his admiration for Kohli, who concluded his illustrious 14-year red-ball career after playing 123 Test matches. Kohli, who made his debut in 2011 against the West Indies, emerged as India’s standout batter following Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013.

"As you retire from Tests, I'm reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes," Tendulkar wrote on his social media handle.

"Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport," he said.

"What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career," he said.

Kohli’s retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma stepped down from Test cricket, removing two senior batters from selection contention ahead of India’s upcoming tour of England.

Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in Tests, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, at an average of 46.85. As captain, he led India in 68 Test matches and remains the country’s most successful skipper with 40 victories.

India batting great Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing the curtains down on a remarkable 14-year red-ball career during which he played 123 matches. Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in the format, registering 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries at an average of 46.85. He also captained India in 68 Tests, becoming the country’s most successful skipper in the format with 40 wins.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right,” Kohli posted on Instagram.

“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.”

The 36-year-old's decision comes shortly after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the format, leaving India without two of its most experienced batters ahead of the upcoming Test tour of England.

Reacting to the announcement, former India coach and cricketer Ravi Shastri penned a heartfelt message on social media.

"Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ. God bless
@imVkohli @BCCI," Shastri wrote.

Kohli expressed his deep connection with the format and its unique rhythm, describing his affection for its nuances.

He said the traditions and ebbs and flows of the five-day format were special to him, including “the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.”

“I am 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,” he wrote. "I will always look back at my test career with a smile. #269, signing off."

Virat Kohli, the former captain of the Indian cricket team, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday via a social media post, bringing to an end a distinguished 14-year career in the longest format. The 36-year-old batter, who made his Test debut in 2011, featured in 123 matches for India, scoring 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries, at an average of 46.85.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has shared the field with Kohli for both Delhi and the national side, posted a message on social media acknowledging the announcement.

"A man with lion's passion! Will miss u cheeks…," wrote Gambhir.

Kohli’s retirement note, shared on Instagram, addressed the growing speculation around his Test future following the recent tour of Australia.

"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," Kohli stated.

"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," he added.

Under his leadership, India rose to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test rankings and secured a historic Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 tour.

Kohli will continue to represent India in One Day Internationals, having already stepped away from T20 Internationals last year after playing a key role in the team’s T20 World Cup triumph in the Caribbean.

Virat Kohli, who led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) in 2021, has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The veteran batter shared the news via Instagram on Monday, marking the end of an illustrious chapter in his cricketing journey.

In an emotional post, Kohli reflected on his time in the format, writing, "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." His decision brings the curtain down on one of the most celebrated careers in red-ball cricket.

Virat Kohli, one of India's most iconic batters, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing an end to an illustrious 14-year career in the longest format. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) paid tribute to his outstanding contributions, recognising a career that saw him score 9,230 runs in 123 Tests at an impressive average of 46.85.

Kohli shared his retirement decision on Instagram: "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."

He continued: "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. #269, signing off."

Virat Kohli’s brother, Vikas Kohli, expressed deep pride and emotion after Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket. Taking to Instagram, Vikas shared heartfelt tributes celebrating his brother’s extraordinary journey and lasting impact on the game. He praised Virat’s unwavering dedication, discipline, and the legacy he leaves behind in red-ball cricket.

Over a stellar 123-match Test career, Virat scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries, and led India to 40 victories, making him the country’s most successful Test captain. Vikas’s message reflected both personal pride and national admiration for a cricketer who inspired millions.

Virat Kohli’s Test career was as intense off the field as it was on it, filled with moments of brilliance and heated controversies. From the infamous middle-finger gesture to the Sydney crowd in 2012 to the heated DRS controversy involving Steve Smith, Kohli was never one to back down from a confrontation. His fierce on-field rivalry with England’s James Anderson became a defining subplot of several Test series, while his fiery stump mic remarks during the Cape Town Test added more fuel to his combative persona. Kohli’s passion often spilled over, making him one of the most talked-about figures in the modern era of Test cricket.

Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma were seen at Mumbai airport just minutes after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. The former India captain concluded a stellar red-ball career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli shared the news on social media on Monday, marking the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket.

In his heartfelt post, he wrote, "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." He reflected on the deeper connection he felt with Test cricket, adding, "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 tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, Kohli's presence at the airport alongside Anushka symbolised a calm and composed exit from a format he so passionately cherished.

As news of Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket spread, a wave of heartfelt tributes poured in from players, former teammates, cricketing legends, and fans around the globe.

Social media platforms were flooded with farewell messages, celebrating Kohli’s passion, grit, and immense contribution to the red-ball format. Fellow cricketers praised his leadership and dedication, while fans shared memories of his most iconic moments in whites, from thrilling centuries to aggressive on-field battles.

It is reflecting the deep emotional impact of his departure. The cricketing world is united in honouring a player who redefined Test cricket for a generation.

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The announcement comes just ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, marking the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for the Indian team.

In the statement announcing the retirement, Kohli wrote, "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...

Kohli’s decision to retire was not sudden, it was introspective and emotional.

In his last statement in Australia, he hinted that the Oz tour would be his last in Test whites. His words revealed clarity and acceptance, even tinged with disappointment.

A cricketer who lived for the red-ball game, Kohli’s farewell was deeply personal. While the timing surprised some, it reflected the weight of expectations he carried and his own high standards. Retirement wasn’t just about age or stats, it was about knowing when to walk away with pride intact.

Kohli’s final Test series came in Australia during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Though he started strong with a century in Perth, his form tailed off, scoring just 190 runs in five matches. Eight of his ten dismissals came via slip edges, highlighting a familiar vulnerability.

While not the fairytale farewell fans hoped for, it symbolised the reality of fading form in a tough format.

Yet, Kohli fought hard till the end. He didn’t back away, even amid growing speculation about his place in the team. His resilience, even in decline, summed up the fighter he always was.

Virat Kohli’s Test career is a masterclass in consistency, technique, and hunger.

From his debut in 2011 to his century in Perth in his final series, he remained India’s most bankable batter. With 30 hundreds and a near-50 average, Kohli was a run-machine across continents.

His cover drives became symbols of elegance and dominance. Even as his form dipped in recent years, the commitment to Test cricket never wavered. Kohli wasn’t just a scorer, he was a performer under pressure.

He stood tall against Australia, England, and South Africa, and became a nightmare for bowlers in their own backyard.

While Virat Kohli’s 9,000+ Test runs and 30 centuries are remarkable, his real legacy lies in leadership.

Taking over a side in transition, Kohli infused aggression, professionalism, and a culture of fitness. He led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and took the team to No. 1 in the ICC rankings.

His 40 Test wins are unmatched by any Indian captain. Beyond results, he made Indian fast bowling world-class and brought mental toughness to the forefront. His captaincy changed how India approached Tests, especially overseas.

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has brought down the curtain on one of the most iconic chapters in Indian cricket history.

Over 14 years, Kohli not only amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests but also redefined what it meant to lead India in the longest format.

His fierce intensity, fitness culture, and unwavering passion helped shape a world-beating side. As India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, Kohli inspired a generation.

His exit, just before the England series, leaves a huge void—both technically and emotionally. Fans and experts alike are celebrating a legacy that will be remembered for decades.