From shock to sentiment, fans flood the internet with emotional tributes as India’s modern-day legend bows out of Test cricket.
New Delhi: Virat Kohli has officially declared his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an epic era of Indian cricket to an end. The news was shared through BCCI’s official X (formerly Twitter) post and an emotional Instagram tribute by Kohli himself. His announcement has left fans across the world nostalgic and emotional, marking the end of an era that shaped a generation of Indian Test cricket fans.
Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011, and he went on to represent India in 113 Tests, accumulating over 8,900 runs at a near-50 average. Kohli achieved 29 centuries and seven double hundreds in Tests, making him not only one of India’s most dependable batsmen, but also a symbol of modern Test cricket. His attacking captaincy and unparalleled enthusiasm for the format introduced a fresh vigor to the Indian team, particularly abroad.
During his leadership of the team from 2014 to 2022, India emerged as a force to be reckoned with in Test cricket. Kohli led India in 68 games, winning 40—a national record. Kohli took India to their first-ever Test series victory in Australia in 2018-19, something that had for long been regarded as out of reach. His stint also witnessed India making the finals of the first ICC World Test Championship in 2021.
In his Instagram post, Kohli described the sacrifices, discipline, and respect he cultivated for the format. He referred to Test cricket as the “heartbeat” of the game and thanked his fans, family, teammates, and coaches for their support over the years.
The announcement unleashed a torrent of reactions from fans and former cricketers alike. Social media was full of emotional messages, with many terming it the “end of an era.” One wrote, “Virat Kohli in whites was poetry in motion. The fire, the aggression, the drive—it won’t be the same without him.” Another said, “Test cricket will miss its fiercest warrior. Thank you for redefining what it means to play for the country.”
The BCCI paid a rich tribute, terming Kohli as one of the best Test players India has ever had. The post featured a highlight reel of his most iconic moments—his ferocious century at Perth, the legendary 254* against South Africa in Pune, and his tearful farewell as captain in 2022.
Although Kohli relinquished Test captaincy in 2022, his hold on the team did not weaken. Even towards the end of his career, he made match-winning innings, such as a determined 186 against Australia in 2023 that silenced critics doubting his form.
In his retirement, India not only loses a player but also a figure representing intensity and pride in the longest format. Kohli’s resignation is almost in quick succession with that of Rohit Sharma, marking a gigantic change for Indian Test cricket. All eyes would now be set on young stalwarts such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal to take things forward.
Kohli is expected to continue in ODIs for the time being, with the 2025 Champions Trophy possibly being his last ICC event. His T20I journey had already ended on a high after India’s win in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain—Virat Kohli’s legacy in Test cricket will stand tall for generations. He didn’t just play the format; he lived it.
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