NEW DELHI (Kashmir English): Indian star batsman Virat Kohli Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 14-year sparkling career in the longest format just days after captain Rohit Sharma took the same decision.
The announcement by Kohli comes a week after Rohit Sharma also retired from the red-ball format.
India is going to play a five-match Test series in England next month.
Kohli made his debut in 2011
Kohli made his debut in 2011 and scored 30 centuries and 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 over 123 tests.
The 36-year-old is expected to remain available for one-day internationals.
He quit Twenty20 Internationals immediately after India won their second 20-overs World Cup trophy in the West Indies last year.
“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,” Kohli posted on Instagram.
“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.”
In a post on X, BCCI, the Indian Cricket Board, announced a farewell to the former captain, saying, “His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!”
Kohli’s final Test was against Australia in a three-Test series in January that they lost to Kangaroos 3-1.
He will be remembered most for his spell as captain between 2014-2022.
Kohli won 40 of his 68 tests in charge of the national side to become India’s most successful skipper in the format and sits fourth in the list of captains with the most Test victories.
Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41) won more tests as captains.
India met only 17 defeats with Kohli at the helm as he guided the team to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, where they lost to New Zealand.
He was also part of the team that lost the second World Test Championship final to Australia in 2023.
“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,” Kohli said.
“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
India is scheduled to play a five-match series in England from June 20.
