Virat Kohli Follows Rohit Sharma into Test Cricket Retirement

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, following closely after Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the longest format of the game.

Kohli, who debuted in Test cricket in 2011, leaves behind a prolific career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including 30 centuries and an average of 46.85.

At 36 years old, Kohli retired from the Twenty20 Internationals last year after India won their second T20 World Cup, but he will continue to play in one-day internationals and the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bangalore.

“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,” the 36-year-old Kohli posted on Instagram.

Kohli reflected on his 14-year Test career as a journey that tested and shaped him, emphasizing the unique challenges and personal growth that playing in whites brought. His final Test was part of a 3-1 series loss to Australia in January 2025.

“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 went on to write in his Instagram post.

“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.”

He is celebrated for his batting and leadership, having captained India in 68 Tests with 40 wins, making him the country’s most successful Test captain and placing him fourth overall among Test captains worldwide for the number of victories.

This retirement marks the end of an era for Indian Test cricket, as both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, key figures in the team, step away from red-ball cricket just ahead of India’s upcoming Test series against England.

Kohli expressed gratitude for the game, his teammates, and supporters, stating that although the decision was difficult, it felt right after giving everything to the format.

Rohit Sharma has announced his immediate retirement from Test cricket, leaving India in need of appointing a new full-time captain shortly after the conclusion of IPL 2025. This decision comes ahead of India’s five-Test series in England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley.

“Hello everyone, I just want to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It has been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to play for India in the ODI format,” Rohit said on social media last week.

The announcement follows his earlier retirement from T20Is after leading India to victory in the T20 World Cup last year.