Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: 'Time to Walk Away'

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a storied 14-year career. The former Indian captain, 36, revealed the news just weeks ahead of India's England tour, shocking fans and the cricketing world alike.

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and went on to play 113 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.8. He retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. His social media post reflected deep emotion: “Test cricket tested and shaped me. It taught me life lessons. I've given it everything.”

Despite stepping down as captain and facing a slump in form between 2020 and 2022, Kohli made a strong comeback, though not quite reaching his previous dominance. His last century came against Australia in a crucial match that helped India level the series.

Kohli’s departure marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket. With Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin also retired, and veterans like Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara out of contention, India faces the upcoming England series with an inexperienced squad. Kohli now shifts his full focus to ODIs, with an eye on the 2027 World Cup.