Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket: A Legendary Career Concludes
Virat Kohli's Test Career Comes to an Emotional End
Virat Kohli has officially concluded his illustrious Test cricket journey, marking the end of a significant era in Indian cricket. The announcement was made through a heartfelt Instagram post on May 12, although his final appearance in whites occurred earlier at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
During the last Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which India ultimately lost, Kohli's farewell performance did not meet the expectations of his fans.
In the first innings, he fought valiantly to score 17 runs off 69 balls. However, in what became his last Test innings, Kohli was dismissed for just 6 runs off 12 balls by Australia's Scott Boland.
India lost the match by six wickets, and Kohli's walk back to the pavilion—head down and bat tucked under his arm—symbolized the conclusion of a career that inspired countless individuals.
Virat Kohli’s last test innings ball by ball
— Honey (@stevensmithclub) May 12, 2025
End of an amazing career pic.twitter.com/4CYOq40ilQ
Virat Kohli last walk in his favourite format 💔 pic.twitter.com/brj66iSuSw
— ' (@viratkohli_un) May 12, 2025
Kohli's final season in Test cricket was not his finest. Over 19 innings, he scored only 382 runs at an average of 22.47, with just one century. Despite a remarkable 14-year career filled with intense competition, his last season did not reflect his true potential in the format.
Also READ: Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket
Kohli's Emotional Retirement Announcement
On May 12, Kohli shared his retirement from Test cricket through an emotional Instagram post. In his touching message, he expressed that stepping away from this format was a challenging choice, but he felt it was the right moment.
“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… #269, signing off.”
Throughout his career, Kohli played 123 Tests, accumulating 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He transformed India's approach to red-ball cricket, promoting an aggressive and fearless style while elevating fitness standards.