Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket, marks end of an era

Prolific Indian batsman Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket marking end of an era in Indian cricket

"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. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever," Kohli wrote on Instagram.

"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," Kohli further wrote.

"I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile," Kohli added.

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Following the announcement, Kohli brought an end to a remarkable 14-year career in the longest format of the game. The 36-year-old made the announcement ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley.

Earlier, Kohli had announced his retirement from T20 cricket. Now, he will be only available for the ODI format.

Earlier, speculation was rife that Kohli will announce his retirement from the longest format of the game soon. However, BCCI tried to convince Kohli to reverse his decision ahead of the England tour. But Kohli eventually remained farm on his decision.

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As per sources, Kohli was eager to return as the captain of the team in the Test format. However, BCCI selectors wanted to appoint a youngster for the captaincy role for the new World Test Championship cycle. Subsequently, Kohli was miffed and that reportedly triggered him to announce his retirement from red ball cricket.

During the course of 123 Tests, Kohli garnered a total of 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score of unbeaten 254 came against South Africa in 2019 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Kohli  has retired as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, behind only great cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. He made his Test debut in Jamaica against the West Indies, just two months after being part of India’s ODI World Cup-winning squad in 2011.

Kohli's final appearance in Test format came during the New Year’s Test against Australia in January at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Kohli's retirement came after veteran cricketer Rohit Sharma stepped away from Test cricket on May 7.