One of the brightest stars of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. This news was nothing short of a shock for cricket fans, as Kohli had not only redefined Test cricket with his batting but also with his captaincy and passion. The 36-year-old legend, over his 14-year Test career, delivered countless unforgettable moments that will be etched in golden letters in the history of Indian cricket. With his retirement, an era has come to an end, but his legacy will continue to inspire forever.
Kohli’s Glorious Journey in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies. The early days brought some challenges, but he soon carved a name for himself worldwide with his technique, passion, and fitness. Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His average of 46.85 stands as a testament to his consistent performance. He scored centuries in almost every country where he played Test cricket, except Bangladesh.
The hallmark of Kohli’s batting was his consistency and ability to score runs under pressure. Whether it was the bouncy pitches of Australia or the swinging conditions in England, Kohli faced every challenge head-on. During the 2014-15 Australia tour, he amassed 692 runs, including four centuries. This tour proved to be a turning point in his Test career.
Kohli’s Historic Contribution as Captain
Virat Kohli was appointed Test captain in 2014 following Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s retirement. He led India in 68 Test matches, securing 40 victories—the most by any Indian captain. Under his leadership, India achieved a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a landmark moment for Indian cricket. Additionally, India maintained the number-one spot in the ICC Test rankings for several consecutive years under his captaincy.
Kohli’s captaincy was defined by aggression and a focus on fitness. He revolutionized Indian fast bowling and infused new energy into the team. Under his leadership, India won 16 Tests on foreign soil, the highest by any Indian captain.
Kohli’s Best Test Records
Virat Kohli’s Test career is adorned with numerous records that place him among the greatest batsmen of modern cricket. Some key records include:
- Most Double Centuries: Kohli scored seven double centuries in Test cricket, the most by any Indian batsman. He set a world record by scoring double centuries in four consecutive Test series in 2016-17.
- Most Centuries as Captain: Kohli scored 20 Test centuries as captain, the highest by any Indian captain.
- Stellar Performance Overseas: Kohli scored 11 centuries in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, showcasing his technique and adaptability.
- Most Wins: Kohli led India to 40 Test victories, more than any other Indian captain. His win percentage also surpasses that of other Indian captains.
- ICC Test Cricketer of the Year: In 2018, Kohli was named the ICC Test Cricketer of the Year, a testament to his exceptional performance.
Challenges in Recent Years
Post-2020, Kohli’s Test form saw some fluctuations. During this period, he scored only two centuries in 33 Tests, with an average hovering around 32. The 3-0 defeat against New Zealand in 2024 and his modest tally of 190 runs in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia were low points. Nevertheless, his century in Perth was a symbol of his resilience.
The Retirement Decision
In his retirement announcement, Kohli said, “Fourteen years ago, when I first wore the Test jersey, I never imagined it would take me this far. This format tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I will always carry with me.” He added that the decision was not easy but felt like the right time.
Kohli had retired from T20 international cricket in 2024 and will now represent India only in ODI cricket. His Test retirement has left fans emotional, but his achievements and passion will always be cherished.
Kohli’s Legacy
Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in popularizing Test cricket, not just in India but globally. His aggressive style, dedication to fitness, and hunger for victory set a new benchmark for young cricketers. He was not just a batsman but an inspiration, demonstrating that any goal can be achieved with hard work and self-belief.
Following his retirement, several cricket legends paid tribute to him. Gautam Gambhir called him “fierce as a lion,” while AB de Villiers described him as a “true legend.”
