Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket, Leaving Fans Heartbroken
Virat Kohli's Retirement from Test Cricket
Virat Kohli is celebrated as one of India's finest cricketers, known for his dynamic batting style and leadership on the field, which significantly uplifts his team's spirit. His impact on Test cricket has been profound, earning him admiration from fans worldwide. However, on May 12, 2025, Kohli shocked his supporters by announcing his retirement from Test matches, leaving many disheartened as they were unprepared to say goodbye to their cricketing hero in the longest format of the game.
Kohli Shares His Decision on Social Media
Virat Kohli took to Instagram to share this significant news. In his heartfelt post, he reflected, "It’s been 14 years since I first donned the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never envisioned the journey this format would take me on. It has tested me, shaped me, and imparted lessons I will cherish forever. There’s something profoundly personal about playing in whites—the quiet grind, the long days, and those fleeting moments that remain etched in memory."
Instagram Post
Kohli's Earnings in Test Matches
With Kohli's departure from Test cricket, fans are curious about his earnings per match. Indian cricketers receive annual salaries from the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), categorized into four grades. In addition to their base salary, players earn match fees for each Test, One Day, or T20 match they participate in, along with performance bonuses.
Reports indicate that Kohli earned ₹15 lakh for every Test match he played. Furthermore, as a member of the highest salary grade (A+), he received ₹7 crore annually from his BCCI contract. This elite grade includes only a select few players, such as Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravindra Jadeja, who are recognized for their significant contributions to the sport.
Although Kohli will no longer participate in Tests and T20Is, he is set to continue representing India in ODIs, with expectations to play until the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027.