Virat Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and quickly established himself as the backbone of India’s batting line-up. Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 48.7, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, making him India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, behind only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
As captain, Kohli transformed India’s approach to Test cricket. He led the team in 68 Tests, winning 40-more than any other Indian captain-and guided India to its first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19. Under his leadership, India held the ICC Test mace for five consecutive years, finishing as the world’s No. 1-ranked Test team.
Announcing his retirement on social media, Kohli reflected on his journey:
“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. 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. #269 signing off”.
Kohli’s retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma also bid farewell to the longest format, signaling a generational shift in Indian cricket. His final Test appearance was during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. While his recent form showed signs of decline, Kohli’s commitment, intensity, and passion for Test cricket never wavered.
With his retirement from both T20Is and Tests, Kohli’s focus will now be on ODI cricket, with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa likely to be his next major target. His absence from the Test arena, however, leaves a significant void in the Indian squad, both in terms of experience and leadership.