Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket

Marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career in the game's longest format. The 36-year-old announced on May 12, 2025, via a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, "It's not easy — but it feels right... 269, signing off." 

 

Career Highlights

  • Debut and Matches: Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and played 123 matches.
  • Runs Scored: He amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
  • Captaincy: From 2014 to 2022, Kohli was India's Test captain, leading the team to 40 victories in 68 matches, making him India's most successful Test captain. 
  • Notable Achievements: Under his leadership, India secured their first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy

 

Reasons for Retirement

Kohli's decision comes shortly after Rohit Sharma retires from Test cricket, signalling a significant transition period for the Indian team. While Kohli did not cite specific reasons, it's noted that he had been contemplating retirement since India's series loss in Australia and had informed the BCCI of his decision ahead of the upcoming England tour. 

 

Impact on Indian Cricket

Kohli's departure leaves a substantial void in India's Test lineup, especially with the five-match Test series against England commencing on June 20. The BCCI now faces the challenge of rebuilding the team and identifying new leadership to guide the next generation of players.

As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, his contributions to Indian cricket remain indelible, and he is expected to continue influencing the sport through other formats and roles.

 

🔹 Career Overview (2011–2025)

  • Matches Played: 123
  • Total Runs: 9,230
  • Batting Average: 46.85
  • Centuries: 30
  • Half-centuries: 31
  • Highest Score: 254*
  • Test Debut: June 2011 vs West Indies
  • Final Test: March 2025 vs New Zealand

 

🔹 Captaincy Record (2014–2022)

  • Matches as Captain: 68
  • Wins: 40 (India’s most successful Test captain)
  • Series Highlights:
    • First-ever Test series win in Australia (2018–19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy)
    • Dominant home record, including clean sweeps against England, South Africa, and New Zealand

Kohli was known for revolutionising India's fitness standards and fostering a competitive, aggressive Test side.

 

🔹 What’s Next for Kohli?

  • As of now, he has not announced retirement from the ODI format.
  • Expected to:
    • Continue playing limited-overs cricket.
    • Take on mentoring or coaching roles in the future.
    • Possibly remain active in the IPL (Indian Premier League).

Virat Kohli’s journey in cricket

Virat Kohli's journey from a young cricket enthusiast in Delhi to becoming one of India's most celebrated cricketers is a testament to his dedication, talent, and resilience. Here's an in-depth look at the early stages of his cricketing career.

 

Early Life and Introduction to Cricket

Born on November 5, 1988, in Delhi, India, Virat Kohli was the youngest child of Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer, and Saroj Kohli, a homemaker. Growing up in Uttam Nagar, Delhi, Kohli exhibited an early interest in cricket. At just three years old, he would pick up a bat and ask his father to bowl to him. Recognising his passion, his father enrolled him in the newly established West Delhi Cricket Academy (WDCA) in 1998, where he trained under coach Rajkumar Sharma. Kohli also played matches at the Sumit Dogra Academy. His early education was at Vishal Bharti Public School, and later he attended Saviour Convent School to further his cricketing prospects.

 

Youth and Domestic Cricket

Delhi Under-15 and Under-17 Teams

Kohli's formal cricketing journey began in October 2002, when he played for the Delhi Under-15 team in the Polly Umrigar Trophy. He quickly made a mark by becoming the leading run-scorer in the 2002–03 tournament. In the following season, he captained the team. His performances earned him a spot in the Delhi Under-17 team for the 2003–04 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he continued to impress by scoring 470 runs in four matches at an average of 117.50, including two centuries.

 

First-Class Debut and Personal Tragedy

Kohli made his first-class debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu in November 2006, scoring 10 runs. However, a defining moment came in December 2006, when he played a crucial innings of 90 runs against Karnataka in a Ranji Trophy match, just a day after his father's untimely death due to a cerebral haemorrhage. His decision to play under such circumstances showcased his commitment and mental fortitude.

 

🌍 Rise to International Prominence

Under-19 World Cup Triumph

In 2008, Kohli captained the India Under-19 team to victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. He was instrumental in the team's success, scoring 235 runs at an average of 47, making him the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His leadership and performance caught the attention of national selectors.

 

Entry into International Cricket

Following his Under-19 success, Kohli was signed by the Royal Challengers Bangalore for the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut for India against Sri Lanka on August 18, 2008, scoring 12 runs. In the fourth match of the series, he scored his maiden ODI half-century, a crucial 54 runs, helping India secure a win.

 

Virat Kohli's early career is marked by rapid progression through the ranks, fueled by his prodigious talent and unwavering determination. From his formative years in Delhi's cricket academies to leading India to an Under-19 World Cup victory and making a successful transition to international cricket, Kohli laid a strong foundation for what would become an illustrious career.