MUMBAI, May 12: In a poignant announcement on Monday, former Indian captain Virat Kohli confirmed his retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately. The decision comes ahead of India’s scheduled five-match Test series against England in June and follows the surprising retirement announcement of fellow Indian star Rohit Sharma from the longest format of the game last week.
“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 shared on his Instagram handle. He ended his post with the words “#269, signing off,” marking the end of a remarkable career in Test cricket.
Kohli, 36, brings the curtain down on a prolific red-ball career that spanned 14 years and 123 Tests. The Delhi-born batter made his Test debut against the West Indies on June 20, 2011, in Kingston. Later that year, during the tour of Australia, Kohli cemented his place in the Test setup, showcasing his determination and resilience.
Despite other batters struggling in the challenging conditions, Kohli improved with each match and marked his breakthrough with a stellar 116-run knock in Adelaide, his first-ever Test century. His aggressive and inspiring leadership eventually saw Kohli captain India in the red-ball format, leading the team to 40 wins from his 68 Tests, making him the most successful Indian Test captain in terms of victories.
Kohli’s announcement signals the end of an era in Indian cricket, as both he and Rohit Sharma, two of the team’s key players, retire from the longest format.
