The End of an Era in Test Cricket
Virat Kohli retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, has left the cricketing world reflecting on a 14-year journey that transformed Indian Test cricket. The 36-year-old announced his decision on Instagram, saying, “Test cricket tested me, shaped me, and gave me lessons I’ll carry forever. It’s time to step away, though it’s not easy.” Kohli’s exit, following Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7, 2025, marks a pivotal moment for India, especially with a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds. Despite a BCCI official’s plea to reconsider, Kohli’s decision stands, ending a career that saw him score 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, with 30 centuries and 7 double centuries.
Kohli’s legacy isn’t just in numbers—it’s in the way he redefined India’s Test prowess, particularly overseas. As India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, he led India to their first Test series win in Australia in 2018-19 and ensured India never lost a home Test series during his tenure. His passion for the format, even in a T20-dominated era, inspired a generation, making his retirement a significant loss for the game.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career: Scorecard, Highlights, and Trophies
Below is a detailed table summarizing Kohli’s Test career, including his batting statistics, key highlights, and major trophies.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Matches Played | 123 |
| Runs Scored | 9,230 |
| Batting Average | 46.85 |
| Centuries | 30 |
| Double Centuries | 7 (Most by an Indian; 254* vs South Africa in 2019 is his highest) |
| Fifties | 31 |
| Fours/Sixes | 1,027 fours, 30 sixes |
| Highest Score | 254* vs South Africa, 2019 |
| Captaincy Record | 68 matches, 40 wins, 17 losses, 11 draws (Most successful Indian Test captain) |
| Key Highlights | – First Test century: 116 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2012 – First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018-19) – Scored centuries in both innings (115 & 141) in Adelaide, 2014-15 – First batter to score 4 double centuries in 4 consecutive Test series (2017) – 692 runs in 4 Tests in Australia, 2014 (4 centuries) – Last Test: 17 runs vs Australia, Sydney, Jan 2025 |
| Trophies/Awards | – 5 ICC Test Mace wins as captain (2017-2021) – 2 Border-Gavaskar Trophy wins as captain (2018-19, 2020-21) – ICC Test Cricketer of the Year (2018) – Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy (ICC Cricketer of the Year): 2017, 2018 – ICC Test Team of the Year: 2017 (captain) – Padma Shri (2017), Arjuna Award (2013) |
| Notable Records | – Most Test wins by an Asian captain (40) – Most away Test wins by an Indian captain (16) – Fastest to 8,000 Test runs by an Indian (169 innings) – Fastest to 25 Test centuries (125 innings) |
Kohli ranks as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,288), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122). His seven double centuries are a joint fourth globally, and his 11 centuries in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) highlight his overseas prowess. However, his recent form—averaging 32.56 over the last 24 months, with 190 runs in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy—showed struggles, particularly against deliveries outside off-stump, possibly influencing his retirement.
The Impact on Indian Test Cricket
The Virat Kohli retirement comes at a transitional time for India. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring in December 2024 and Rohit Sharma stepping away last week, India’s Test squad is undergoing a major overhaul. Veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane are no longer in the team, and Mohammed Shami’s form post-injury is uncertain. Only KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah remain as senior players from India’s golden Test era, which included two consecutive World Test Championship finals. Shubman Gill is likely to captain India against England, but filling Kohli’s No. 4 spot and his leadership void will be a challenge for the young squad.
Kohli’s tenure as captain turned India into a Test powerhouse, emphasizing fitness, aggression, and overseas success. His 2018-19 Australia series win was a historic milestone, ending a 71-year drought for India. He also led India to five consecutive ICC Test Mace wins from 2017 to 2021, a testament to his consistency. Fans on X expressed their emotions, with one writing, “Test cricket won’t be the same without Kohli’s passion.” Another said, “His 254* against South Africa—I’ll never forget that innings.”
Kohli’s Legacy and Future Plans
Kohli’s influence on Test cricket goes beyond statistics. He made the format glamorous again, advocating for its importance and leading by example with his work ethic. His aggression on the field, often seen in his celebrations after centuries, inspired younger players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, who now aim to carry the baton forward. While he didn’t reach 10,000 Test runs—a milestone some expected—he leaves as one of India’s greatest Test batters, with a legacy of resilience and excellence.
Looking ahead, Kohli will focus on ODIs, where he recently led India to the 2025 Champions Trophy title with a century against Pakistan. His IPL 2025 performance was impressive, scoring 505 runs in 11 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, showing he’s still a force. Off the field, Kohli plans to spend more time with his family—wife Anushka Sharma and children Vamika and Akaay—possibly in England, where he’s reportedly based now. Fans speculate he might take up a coaching role with RCB in the future, but for now, Kohli is set to enjoy a well-earned break while continuing in white-ball cricket.
Honoring a Test Cricket Icon
Virat Kohli retirement closes a chapter that saw him rise from a fiery debutant in 2011 to India’s most successful Test captain. His journey in whites will be remembered for its intensity, records, and the way he elevated Indian Test cricket globally. As India prepares for a new era, Kohli’s legacy will continue to inspire.
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