Virat Kohli, the face of modern Indian Test cricket for over a decade, has announced his retirement from the longest format, marking a monumental moment in the history of the sport. In a heartfelt message posted on Instagram, Kohli wrote, “It’s not easy — but it feels right… #269, signing off,” drawing the curtains on a 14-year red-ball career that redefined Indian cricket’s attitude and ambition.
Debuting in 2011, the Delhi-born batter went on to play 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His run tally places him just behind Indian legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. But beyond the numbers, Kohli brought intensity, belief, and a new ethos to the Indian team.
Taking over the Test captaincy from MS Dhoni in 2014, Kohli led India in 68 Tests and won 40 of them — the most by any Indian captain. Under his leadership, India rose to the No. 1 Test ranking, dominated at home, and achieved memorable series wins overseas, including the historic victory in Australia in 2018-19.
Kohli’s retirement comes at a time when India is preparing for a tough tour of England. Though he started the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a century in Perth, his form trailed off, culminating in modest returns and recurring technical flaws. Since 2020, he averaged just over 30 in Tests — a sharp contrast to his peak years.
Still, his legacy remains untarnished. Kohli’s passion for Test cricket was infectious. He championed fitness standards, backed pace bowlers, and brought back the fire to India’s red-ball game. For a generation of fans, he was not just a player — he was the symbol of India’s fearless approach to Test cricket.
As Kohli steps away from the whites, Indian cricket enters a new chapter — but it does so standing on the foundation he helped build.
