Indian batsman Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket on Monday, 12 May 2025.
Kohli is the fourth highest run-scorer in Test cricket for India with 9,230 in 123 matches and an average of 46.85.
“It has 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,” said Kohli.
“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.”
Kohli hit 30 Test centuries. Nine have come against England and five each against Australia and Sri Lanka. He scored three each against New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies – and two against England.
His highest Test score was 254 not out against South Africa in Pune in 2019. He has hit five other Test double-centuries in India.
Kohli’s highest Test score outside India was 2016’s 200 against the West Indies in North Sound.
He captained India in 68 Tests. He won 40 – 24 at home and 16 away. He lost 17 and drew 11.
Last week, Indian captain Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket with immediate effect.
Sharma and Kohli retired from T20I cricket after last year’s T20 World Cup final. Both remain available for ODI selection.
Sharma and Kohli were with the Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, respectively, when the 2025 Indian Premier League was suspended for one week on 9 May.
India will tour England for five Tests in June and July 2025.
MORE latest cricket news
- Matthew Breetzke: I’d 100% much rather be here than at home
- Bjorn Fortuin: Is it warranted that I lost my contract?
- Proteas lose second position to England in ICC Test rankings
- Kagiso Rabada ban is over – he can resume playing immediately
- No CSA contract for Heinrich Klaasen – ‘Discussions ongoing’
- Neil Brand: Lhuan-dre Pretorius ready for national set-up
- Sarel Erwee retires from professional cricket
- Rassie van der Dussen: I need to start stepping back