Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a distinguished 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
Kohli's Test career began in 2011, and over 123 matches he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
In his time as India's Test captain from 2014 to 2022, Kohli won 40 of 68 Test matches, making him India's most successful Test captain. Under his leadership, India reached the finals of the World Test Championship in both 2021 and 2023.
Kohli's final Test appearance was during India's 3-1 series defeat to Australia in January 2025, where India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade.
The 36-year-old made the announcement via Instagram, expressing gratitude for the journey that Test cricket has taken him on.
"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," he said.
"It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life.
"There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
"As I step away from this format, it's not easy — but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for.
"I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.
"I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."
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Kohli is expected to continue playing in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and remain available for One-Day Internationals.
India now prepare for a five-match Test series in England starting June 20.
