Virat Kohli, legend of Indian cricket, announces retirement from Test format

Indian batter Virat Kohli has introduced his retirement from Check cricket, bringing down the curtain on a glowing profession within the longest format simply days after captain Rohit Sharma did the identical.

Kohli, who made his debut in 2011 and scored 30 centuries and 9,230 runs at a median of 46.85 over 123 Checks, is anticipated to stay accessible for one-day internationals.

The 36-year-old stop Twenty20 Internationals instantly after India gained its second 20-overs World Cup trophy in West Indies final 12 months.

“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,” Kohli posted on Instagram.

“It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.

“There’s one thing deeply private about taking part in in whites. The quiet grind, the lengthy days, the small moments that nobody sees however that stick with you perpetually.”

While Kohli’s final Test wrapped up a 3-1 series defeat to Australia in January which saw India relinquish the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade, he will be remembered most for his spell as captain between 2014-2022.

Kohli won 40 of his 68 Tests in charge of India to become the country’s most successful skipper in the format and sits fourth in the list of captains with the most test victories.

Solely Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48) and Steve Waugh (41) gained extra Checks as captains.

India suffered only 17 defeats with Kohli at the helm as he guided the side to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, where they lost to New Zealand.

He was also part of the team that lost the second World Test Championship final to Australia in 2023.

“I am strolling away with a coronary heart filled with gratitude — for the sport, for the individuals I shared the sphere with, and for each single one who made me really feel seen alongside the best way,” he added.

“I am going to all the time look again at my Check profession with a smile.”

India’s next Test assignment is a five-match series in England from June 20.

Reuters