Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket After 14 Remarkable Years
Virat Kohli's Emotional Departure from Test Cricket
On May 12, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant 14-year chapter that transformed India's legacy in the format.
The former captain shared his decision on Instagram, describing it as both emotional and necessary.
“Stepping away from this format is challenging, but it feels right. I’ve poured my heart into it, and it has given me more than I ever expected,” Kohli expressed in a touching message that quickly gained traction online.
Kohli's last Test match took place earlier this year at the SCG during India's five-match series in Australia, where he scored 17 runs in the first innings and just 6 in his final innings before being dismissed by Scott Boland. India ultimately lost that match by six wickets.
WATCH: Virat Kohli’s final walk in whites
His concluding season did not reflect his usual prowess, as he accumulated only 382 runs across 19 innings at an average of 22.47, including a solitary century. However, his legacy is defined by more than just statistics; with 30 centuries and over 9,000 Test runs, Kohli has inspired countless fans.
Tributes from Fellow Cricketers
Prithvi Shaw honored both Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a heartfelt tribute.
India's head coach, Gautam Gambhir, shared a photo of Kohli with the caption: 'Will miss you, Cheeks.'
A man with lion’s passion!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Will miss you cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6
Numerous cricketers took to social media to pay their respects to Kohli.
Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025
Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G
Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025
There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0
The Greatest Indian Cricketer of all times bids adieu to Test cricket 🏏…. Thank you Virat Kohli for being a cup of joy to world cricket - kahaan parre ho chakker mein koi nahin hai takker mein … @imVkohli @RCBTweets @BCCI pic.twitter.com/9cQ3KTI8yx
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) May 12, 2025
Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025
Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj
A champion on and off the field, an absolute genius of the game. @imVkohli, playing with you was a sheer pleasure... It's hard to accept that the nation will miss you watching in Test cricket. You will be remembered as one of the greatest legends ever to have graced the game.… pic.twitter.com/u6MrkNUZkx
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) May 12, 2025
The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025
#RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS
Congratulations Virat on a Test career you can be incredibly proud of! Your passion for the format was inspiring...and it was an honour to share the crease with you over the years, in the heat of many-a-battle, grinding it out for the country! Will cherish the several memories… pic.twitter.com/0Qp9vofOPn
— Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) May 12, 2025
I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tOdzaz2wej
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 12, 2025