Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: A Tribute to His Legendary Career
A Legendary Career Comes to an End
The cricketing world expressed heartfelt tributes on Monday as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the conclusion of an extraordinary 14-year journey.
At 36, Kohli steps away from the longest format after amassing 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries, with an impressive average of 46.85. He will now focus solely on One Day Internationals, having previously retired from T20 Internationals last year.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) shared a message on 'X', stating, "An era ends in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket."
They added, "His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!"
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized Kohli as one of India's greatest Test players, stating, "One of India’s Test greats calls time in the longest format. Whites off, crown intact. Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy."
Kohli's IPL team expressed their sadness over losing their star player from the Test format, saying, "The walk, those shots, those expressions, those celebrations. We’ll miss them all."
They continued, "The curtain falls on a monumental Test Era. But his legacy lives on, etched in time and carved in pride. Thank you, Virat Kohli, for the fire, the bravery, and the unmatched passion. You didn’t just play this format; you elevated it."
Former teammate Ajinkya Rahane reflected on their shared experiences, stating, "It’s been a special journey sharing the field with you, @virat.kohli. So many great memories and partnerships together. Congratulations on an amazing Test career!"
Irfan Pathan, a former Indian pacer, praised Kohli as "a true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket," adding, "Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard."
The Delhi Capitals IPL franchise expressed their shock, saying, "We weren’t ready for this."