Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket as of May 13, 2025. The former Indian captain, legendary batsman, and one of the greatest Test cricketers of all time, has ended his red-ball career, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
🗓️ Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement Announcement – Why Now?
Kohli made the emotional announcement through his official Instagram account and a press conference, stating:
"I have always given my everything to Test cricket. It shaped me as a player and a leader. But the time has come to step aside and allow the next generation to carry the torch."
After 15 years in Test cricket, Kohli retires to focus on limited-overs cricket and spend more time with his family. His departure leaves a massive void in the Indian red-ball setup.
🏏 Virat Kohli's Complete Test Career Stats (2008–2025)
- Matches Played: 113
- Innings: 191
- Total Runs: 8,848
- Batting Average: 49.30
- Centuries: 29
- Half-Centuries: 30
- Highest Score: 254*
- Double Centuries: 7
- Test Debut: June 20, 2011 vs West Indies
- Last Test: January 2024 vs England
🏆 Career Highlights & Achievements
- 🏏 First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018–19)
- 🏆 Led India to No.1 Test ranking for 42 months (2016–2020)
- 📈 Only Indian with 7 double centuries in Tests
- 🌍 Over 100 catches in Tests as a non-wicketkeeper
- 🔥 Fastest Indian to 7,000 and 8,000 Test runs
- 👑 ICC Test Player of the Year (2018)
💥 Unbreakable Records Set by Virat Kohli
- Most double centuries by an Indian in Tests (7)
- Fastest to 25 centuries as Indian Test captain
- Most Test wins by an Indian captain (40)
- Only player to score 50+ runs in 10 consecutive Test innings as captain
🌟 Virat Kohli's Impact on Indian Test Cricket
Virat revolutionized India’s approach to Test cricket with his fitness-first philosophy, aggressive mindset, and team-first leadership. Under him, India produced a world-class pace attack and became an unbeatable team at home and highly competitive overseas.
📣 Social Media Reactions: Fans & Celebrities Respond
After Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement, hashtags like #ThankYouKohli and #KingKohli started trending worldwide. From Sachin Tendulkar to global sports stars, tributes poured in for the icon.
"You took Indian cricket to new heights. Test cricket will miss you, Virat." – Sachin Tendulkar
📺 Video Tribute
Watch this emotional tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test journey:
Dear @imVkohli,
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 12, 2025
Thank you for leading 🇮🇳 with passion,
for rewriting history time & again,
for instilling a fearless, winning spirit,
and for making us BELIEVE, always! 👑❤
📺📲 Watch the special tribute: 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗩𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧 👉 https://t.co/rp4Dvb3SkG pic.twitter.com/6jg8L9nVGE
📅 What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
Kohli will continue to play in ODIs and T20s, with major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup still on the calendar. He is also expected to mentor young players in the Test squad off the field.
💬 Final Words: Thank You, King Kohli
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement ends one of the most glorious chapters in cricket history. From gritty centuries in tough conditions to leading with fire, Kohli redefined Indian Test cricket for the modern age.
Thank you, Virat. You will forever be the heartbeat of Test cricket.
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