Indian cricket star Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, just days after Rohit Sharma made a similar decision to step down from the longest format. With a crucial five-match series against England on the horizon, the absence of two key players could be a significant setback for India.
However, Kohli remains one of the greatest cricketers the country has ever seen. While his career stats may not surpass those of legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar, his remarkable consistency in run-scoring has firmly established him as a modern-day cricketing icon.
He announced his retirement in an Instagram post:
“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. 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. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
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Virat Kohli – Test Cricket Record
141 vs Australia, Adelaide, 2014
Kohli’s superb 141 went in vain as Australia defeated India. After posting 517, Australia saw India reply with 444, thanks to Kohli and key contributions from Vijay, Pujara, and Rahane. Chasing 364, Kohli and Vijay added 185, but wickets fell quickly after, and Lyon’s seven wickets secured the win.
169 vs Australia, Melbourne, 2014
Virat Kohli continued his great form in Australia with a superb 169 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, after doing well in Adelaide. Australia batted first and scored 530. When Kohli came in, India was 108 for 2. He shared 39 runs with Vijay, then a 262-run stand with Rahane. His 169 helped India draw the match, and he scored a second-innings fifty too.
123 vs Australia, Perth, 2018
In another tough match in Australia, Kohli showed his class against a strong bowling attack. After Australia scored 326, India were struggling at 8/2. Kohli built important partnerships with Pujara, Rahane, and Vihari, helping India reach 283. His steady batting was key, even if the scorecard didn’t show the full value of his effort.
149 vs England, Edgbaston, 2018
Another brilliant knock by Kohli in a losing cause. After England posted 287, he walked in at 54/2 and built key partnerships with Rahane, Pandya, Ishant, and Umesh to take India to 274. His innings showed early struggle, strong determination, fluent strokeplay, and a deep hunger to outshine the opposition.
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