On May 12, 2025, Indian Cricket legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. At the age of 36, Kohli steps away with a legacy that has significantly shaped Indian cricket’s modern era.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career runs (from debut in 2011 to his final year in 2024):
| Year | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
| 2011 | 5 | 9 | 202 | 22.44 | 0 | 2 | 63 |
| 2012 | 9 | 16 | 689 | 49.21 | 3 | 3 | 116 |
| 2013 | 8 | 12 | 616 | 56.00 | 2 | 3 | 119 |
| 2014 | 10 | 20 | 847 | 44.57 | 4 | 2 | 169 |
| 2015 | 9 | 15 | 640 | 42.66 | 2 | 2 | 147 |
| 2016 | 12 | 18 | 1215 | 75.93 | 4 | 2 | 235 |
| 2017 | 10 | 16 | 1059 | 75.64 | 5 | 1 | 243 |
| 2018 | 13 | 24 | 1322 | 55.08 | 5 | 5 | 153 |
| 2019 | 8 | 11 | 612 | 68.00 | 2 | 2 | 254* |
| 2020 | 3 | 6 | 116 | 19.33 | 0 | 1 | 74 |
| 2021 | 11 | 19 | 536 | 28.21 | 0 | 4 | 72 |
| 2022 | 6 | 11 | 265 | 26.50 | 0 | 1 | 79 |
| 2023 | 5 | 9 | 328 | 54.66 | 1 | 1 | 186 |
| 2024 | 4 | 6 | 151 | 37.75 | 1 | 0 | 121 |
| Total | 123 | 212 | 9,230 | 46.85 | 30 | 31 | 254* |
He played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, after making his debut in 2011 against the West Indies. With 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name, he stands fourth among India’s highest Test run-scorers, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
From 2014 to 2022, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40, more than any other Indian captain. His leadership reached a high point when he guided India to a historic Test series victory in Australia during the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Virat Kohli’s Finest Test Innings
1. 141 vs Australia (Adelaide, 2014): Played in tough Adelaide conditions, this innings stands out as one of Kohli’s most iconic performances. With India in a tough position, Kohli played a fearless knock of 141 runs in India’s first innings, showing his ability to dominate one of the best fast bowling attacks in the world. His performance helped India post a respectable total and gave them a fighting chance in the Test match.
2. 123 vs Australia, Perth (2018): In December 2018, Kohli scored an enduring 123 in Perth on a fast, bouncy pitch against Australia. It was a proper captain’s innings in difficult batting conditions, facing quality pace bowling. Though India lost the Test, Kohli’s century stood out. He became the first Asian captain to score a century in Perth, showing that he could deliver even on the toughest tracks.
3. 254 vs South Africa (Pune, 2019)*: Kohli’s 254* against South Africa in Pune was a fabulous knock. He was in sublime touch, displaying textbook strokes and a solid defense. His double century was the backbone of India’s total in the match, and his innings propelled India to a commanding position, eventually leading to a comprehensive victory.
There were many speculations going around after Rohit Sharma retired, that Virat Kohli is also taking retirement but none of them were officially confirmed by him. It was reported that the BCCI asked him to reconsider his decision of taking retirement, because of India’s upcoming five match Test series against England on June 20, 2025. India needs a senior player as anchor to guide youngsters. As Rohit already retired he won’t be there either.
Also read: Virat Kohli’s Top 10 Test Innings: The Knocks That Defined His Legacy
The Retirement Announcement
Kohli shared his decision through an instagram post, stating, “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.” He concluded with, “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.” Many cricketers, analysts reacted to it. Despite the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) efforts to persuade him to continue, Kohli remained firm in his decision.
What’s Next For Virat Kohli?
Despite stepping away from Tests, Kohli has not retired from international cricket altogether. He remains active in ODIs and continues to play in the IPL, where he still draws massive crowds and fanfare. A good news for his fans they could still see him on the pitch but not in the red ball cricket anymore.
The Impact and Legacy of Kohli
Kohli’s unexpected decision to retire caught many off guard, though his legacy in Test cricket remains unquestioned. He has been made a role model for cricketers around the world, particularly young players, with an aggressive approach, fitness standard, and commitment
to the game. While his retirement may mark the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket, Kohli’s contributions to the format will always be remembered. As both a leader and a player, Kohli’s impact on Indian cricket and the global Test arena will be remembered forever. Kohli’s name will forever remain etched in the history of Test cricket, as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
Written by Kinjal Valantra
