akshat panchal 
Virat Kohli, one of cricket’s most iconic figures, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, marking the end of a 14-year journey that redefined Indian cricket. At 36, Kohli leaves behind a legacy that transcends numbers, having inspired a generation with his passion, intensity, and unrelenting commitment to the longest format of the game. This blog delves into the highlights of his Test career, the indelible mark he left on the sport, and what lies ahead for the man who carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for over a decade.
A Stellar Test Career: The Numbers and Beyond
Kohli’s Test career began in June 2011 against the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica. Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score of 254 not out against South Africa in 2019 remains a testament to his ability to dominate attacks with both flair and resilience. In terms of Virat Kohli Test match records, he ranks fourth among India’s all-time Test run-scorers, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His seven double centuries, more than any other Indian, underscore his hunger for big scores.
Kohli’s batting was a spectacle of precision and aggression. His cover drive, often described as a work of art, combined technical mastery with aesthetic brilliance. Memorable innings, like his twin centuries in Adelaide in 2014 or his gritty 149 in Edgbaston in 2018, showcased his ability to rise to the occasion in challenging conditions. His 692 runs in the 2014-15 Australia series, including centuries in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney, announced his arrival as a global force.
Leading from the Front: Kohli the Captain
As a captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories—the most by any Indian skipper. His leadership transformed India into a formidable Test side, particularly overseas. Under his stewardship, India achieved their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, a historic milestone. Kohli’s captaincy was marked by an aggressive mindset, emphasizing fitness, discipline, and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. His 5,864 runs as captain, at an average of 54.80, including 20 centuries, highlight his ability to lead from the front.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Kohli’s impact on Test cricket extends far beyond runs and wins. He was a torchbearer for the format at a time when T20 leagues threatened its relevance. His passion for Test cricket was infectious, inspiring teammates and fans alike to cherish the “quiet grind” of the five-day game. Former England captain Michael Vaughan described him as the individual who did the most to preserve Test cricket’s sanctity, a sentiment echoed by many in the cricketing fraternity.
Kohli’s leadership reshaped India’s Test identity. He instilled a culture of fitness and professionalism, raising the bar for physical and mental preparation. His emphasis on fast bowling led to the emergence of a world-class pace attack, with bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami thriving under his guidance. India’s dominance in home series, coupled with competitive performances abroad, reflected Kohli’s vision of a team that could win anywhere.
Kohli vs Tendulkar: Comparing Legends
The debate between Virat Kohli vs Sachin Tendulkar Test record has long intrigued cricket fans. While Tendulkar’s longevity and sheer volume of runs remain unmatched, Kohli carved his own space with aggressive consistency and vital contributions under pressure. With 30 Test centuries to Tendulkar’s 51, Kohli’s ratio of hundreds per match is commendable. His average as captain (54.80) is significantly higher than Tendulkar’s, showcasing his ability to shoulder leadership without compromising his batting.
Off the Field Influence
With over 390 million social media followers, Kohli transcended cricket, becoming a cultural icon akin to Tendulkar and MS Dhoni. His marriage to Bollywood star Anushka Sharma amplified his global appeal, while his endorsement deals, reportedly worth $20 million in 2020, made him one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. Kohli’s charisma and intensity made him a trendsetter, inspiring countless young cricketers to emulate his work ethic and passion.
Sachin Tendulkar, in a heartfelt tribute, highlighted Kohli’s true legacy: inspiring a new generation to embrace cricket. A poignant anecdote from Tendulkar recalled Kohli offering a thread from his late father’s clothing during Tendulkar’s final Test in 2013—a gesture that revealed the depth of his character. Kohli’s ability to connect with fans and players alike cemented his status as a leader who wore his heart on his sleeve.
The Final Chapter: Why Now?
Virat Kohli Test Retirement came on the heels of a challenging period. His form in Tests had waned over the last three years, with his average dipping to 32.56 since 2023. The 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he scored just 190 runs in nine innings despite a century in Perth, exposed vulnerabilities against the moving ball. Eight of his ten dismissals in that series were edges to the slip cordon, a recurring issue that plagued his early career. The 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand in 2024 further intensified scrutiny, as India missed the World Test Championship final.
The timing of Kohli’s announcement, just days after captain Rohit Sharma’s retirement and ahead of a five-match Test series in England starting June 20, 2025, suggests a desire to pave the way for a new era. Virat Kohli Retirement News 2025 dominated headlines, with reports indicating he had informed the BCCI of his decision a month earlier. Despite the board’s urging to reconsider, Kohli felt the moment was right to step away, allowing selectors to build a squad around younger talents like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and KL Rahul.
A New Chapter for Indian Cricket
As part of the larger India cricket team news 2025, Kohli’s exit signals the end of an era. With Rohit Sharma and Kohli both stepping aside, the team will look toward a youthful resurgence led by emerging stars. The transition won’t be easy, but the foundation Kohli laid—built on discipline, aggression, and unity—will guide the next generation forward.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
While Kohli has bid farewell to Test cricket, his cricketing journey is far from over. He remains committed to one-day internationals, with the 2027 ODI World Cup looming as a potential swansong. His reputation as the greatest ODI chaser in history, coupled with his role in India’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2025, ensures his continued relevance in the 50-over format. Kohli’s recent IPL form, where he scored 505 runs in 11 matches for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025, indicates he still has plenty to offer with the bat.
Beyond playing, Kohli’s future is ripe with possibilities. Unlike many retirees, he has shown little interest in commentary, but coaching, mentorship, or even cricket diplomacy could be on the cards. A move into entrepreneurship or a deeper involvement in youth cricket academies may also be part of his long-term vision.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli Test Retirement brings down the curtain on one of the most celebrated careers in cricket history. His legacy isn’t just about the runs scored or the matches won—it’s about the spirit he brought to the field, the standards he set, and the millions he inspired. As the Indian team gears up for a new chapter, Kohli’s echo will still be heard in every cover drive played with purpose, every celebration marked with passion, and every young cricketer who dreams of walking the path he carved.
