In a move that has left cricket fans around the world stunned, Virat Kohli has decided to hang up his boots in Test cricket.
Just days before India is set to announce its squad for the upcoming tour of England, the legendary batter took to Instagram to make the heartfelt announcement.
The timing couldn’t have been more unexpected—especially with Rohit Sharma stepping away from the red-ball format only days earlier.
Now, Kohli has joined him, bringing an end to one of Indian cricket’s most celebrated Test careers.
A Journey of Grit, Greatness, and Glory
Since making his debut back in 2011, Kohli carved out an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket.
With 123 matches under his belt, he racked up 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
His numbers include 30 centuries, 31 fifties, and a jaw-dropping highest score of 254 not out.
In his Instagram message to fans—who number a staggering 271 million—Kohli looked back with immense pride:
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket… it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had.”
King of the Test Arena and India’s Most Successful Captain
Let’s not forget what he achieved as a leader.
Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them—a record that puts him ahead of greats like MS Dhoni and Sourav Ganguly.
Under his captaincy, India became a dominant force in world cricket, especially in the longer format.
He led with fire, passion, and an uncompromising spirit.
From winning in Australia to nearly conquering England, Kohli’s impact extended far beyond the stat sheet.
Slipping Form but Undying Spirit
While his passion never wavered, Kohli’s performance in Tests had dipped in recent years.
After a golden period from 2011 to 2019 where he averaged close to 55, the last two years saw that drop to just over 32.
His final series in Australia earlier this year didn’t go as hoped.
Apart from a fighting century in Perth, Kohli managed just 90 runs from the remaining eight innings.
That tour ended with India losing the series 3-1, marking a subdued close to his Test career.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Kohli wasn’t just part of India’s batting line-up—he was the heartbeat.
He stood tall among the “Fab Four” alongside Steve Smith, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root.
And while his T20 and ODI heroics are well known, his love for Test cricket never faded.
He was instrumental in making the format “cool” again for a generation obsessed with T20s.
His fierce loyalty to Test cricket turned casual fans into hardcore red-ball devotees.
Social Media Erupts With Tributes
Within an hour of his announcement, Kohli’s post racked up over six million likes and hundreds of thousands of comments.
From cricketers to commentators, everyone had something to say.
Gautam Gambhir called him “a man with lion’s passion.”
Sanjay Manjrekar described him as “the biggest brand of the modern era who gave it all to Test cricket.”
And Harsha Bhogle summed it up best:
“He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that Test cricket is cool.
The game owes him big time.”
Looking Ahead
With Kohli and Rohit both stepping aside, Indian Test cricket is heading into a new era.
The selectors are set to name a fresh squad for the five-match England series, starting June 20 in Leeds.
It’s the end of a monumental chapter—but the beginning of a new one too.