Virat Kohli announces retirement from Test cricket Vaitla K, May 12, 2025May 12, 2025 Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, informing the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series in England, set to begin on June 20.The announcement marks the end of a storied career in the longest format for the former Indian captain, who has been a cornerstone of the team for over a decade.Kohli, 36, communicated his intent to retire to the BCCI a few days ago, prompting senior officials to urge him to reconsider due to the critical nature of the England tour, which kicks off a new World Test Championship cycle.Announcement on Instagram📖 Must Read: Trump’s $5M Gold Card: American Citizenship View this post on InstagramA post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) Kohli took to Instagram to announce his retirement. “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,” he wrote.He continued, “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. 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. 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.”📖 Must Read: Araku Coffee to brew in Parliament premisesHe concluded, “I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”Kohli test careerKohli’s Test career spans 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 40.57, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, cementing his status as one of India’s greatest batters. His leadership as captain in 68 Tests, with 40 victories, transformed India into a formidable Test side, particularly overseas.📖 Must Read: Devotees express frustration over delays at Tirumala darshanThe announcement comes days after Indian captain Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, leaving India’s batting lineup without two of its most experienced players. Kohli had previously retired from T20 Internationals after India’s T20 World Cup triumph in June 2024, where he played a match-winning 76 off 59 balls against South Africa, earning the Player of the Match award.