Legendary Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has declared his immediate retirement from Test cricket, a significant development ahead of this summer’s five-Test series against England starting on June 20. This announcement comes closely after fellow teammate Rohit Sharma’s retirement.
At the age of 36, Kohli has remarkably played 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs with a commendable average of 46.85. Reflecting on his career, Kohli shared via social media, “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. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
While Kohli stepped away from T20 internationals in 2024 following India’s World Cup triumph, he is slated to continue his one-day international career. Since making his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, Kohli has led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories, thus ranking him as the most successful captain for India in Test matches.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in Indian cricket, as Kohli has been a central figure in the sport, not only for his remarkable statistics but also for his leadership and influence on the younger generation. His legacy in Test cricket will undoubtedly impact aspiring cricketers and fans alike.
Kohli’s retirement opens the door for the next generation of players to step up and fill the void in Indian cricket, creating a blend of nostalgia and optimism for the future of the team.