Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket After 14-Year Career

New Delhi — Indian cricket icon and former captain Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a celebrated 14-year journey in the game’s longest format.

In a heartfelt statement, Kohli reflected on his debut and the emotional weight of representing India in whites. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the Test jersey for India. I never imagined the journey this format would take me on,” he said. “It tested me, shaped me, and taught me life lessons that will stay with me forever.”

Kohli’s surprise retirement comes just a month before India’s scheduled Test tour of England, leaving fans and cricket pundits stunned. At 36 years old, Kohli exits the red-ball game as one of India’s all-time greats.

Over the course of his Test career, Kohli played 111 matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.8. He finishes as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in Test cricket history, behind only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122).

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Kohli’s contribution to Indian Test cricket extends far beyond the stats. Under his leadership, India achieved landmark victories, including a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19. Known for his aggressive captaincy, intense fitness standards, and unmatched passion, Kohli helped redefine India’s approach to Test cricket.

Tributes from current and former players have already begun pouring in on social media, celebrating Kohli’s extraordinary impact on the game.