Virat Kohli Test Retirement: Records, Reactions, and Legacy of India’s Most Successful Captain
India’s cricket stalwart Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, 2025, bringing an illustrious 14-year career in the longest format to a close. At 36, the former captain leaves behind a remarkable legacy as India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins from 68 matches. His announcement, coming shortly after Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, has triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world and beyond.
The Retirement Announcement
Kohli made his retirement official through an emotional Instagram post, where he reflected on his journey in Test cricket. “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,” Kohli wrote in his heartfelt message.
“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.”
The announcement, signed off with “#269” (his Test cap number), confirms that the Sydney Test against Australia earlier this year was his last appearance in whites for India. With Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin now retired from Test cricket, India faces a significant transition period ahead of their upcoming series against England.
Career Highlights and Records
Kohli concludes his Test career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, making him India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His journey in Test cricket has been marked by numerous milestones:
Batting Achievements
- 27 Test centuries and 31 half-centuries
- 7 double centuries as captain – the most by any Test captain
- Highest score of 254* against South Africa (2019)
- 692 runs in the 2014-15 Australia series (highest by an Indian in Australia)
- 593 runs in the 2018 England series – redemption after his 2014 struggle
Captaincy Records
- 40 wins from 68 Tests – India’s most successful Test captain
- First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018-19)
- Led India to the #1 Test ranking for five consecutive years
- First player to score three hundreds in first three innings as Test captain
- Fourth-most successful Test captain overall in terms of wins
The Seven Double Centuries
One of Kohli’s most remarkable achievements was scoring seven double hundreds as Test captain – a world record. These mammoth innings showcased his hunger for big scores and exceptional concentration:
| Score | Opposition | Venue | Year |
| 200 | West Indies | North Sound | 2016 |
| 211 | New Zealand | Indore | 2016 |
| 235 | England | Mumbai | 2016 |
| 204 | Bangladesh | Hyderabad | 2017 |
| 213 | Sri Lanka | Nagpur | 2017 |
| 243 | Sri Lanka | Delhi | 2017 |
| 254* | South Africa | Pune | 2019 |
The Rise, Peak, and Later Years
The Rise (2011-2014)
Kohli’s Test journey began against West Indies in 2011, but his arrival as a Test batsman was marked by his performance in Australia in 2011-12. While India struggled in the series, Kohli emerged with a brilliant 116 in Adelaide – his first Test century. His early years showed promise but were challenged by a difficult 2014 England tour where he managed just 134 runs in 10 innings.
The Peak (2015-2019)
Between 2015 and 2019, Kohli reached unprecedented heights. The year 2016 was particularly spectacular, with 1,215 runs at an average of 75.93. In 2018, he conquered his demons in England with 593 runs at 59.30. During this period, he scored all seven of his double centuries and established himself as the world’s premier Test batsman, reaching a career-high average of 55.10.
Later Years (2020-2025)
After December 2019, Kohli experienced a prolonged century drought that lasted nearly three years. Though he eventually returned to scoring hundreds, his Test average gradually declined to just below 47. His final Test series in Australia yielded 190 runs at 23.75, with 100 of those coming in a single innings, signaling that perhaps the time was right to step away.
Global Reactions to Kohli’s Retirement
Kohli’s retirement announcement triggered an outpouring of tributes from across the cricketing world and beyond. Former teammates, rivals, and cricket legends took to social media to celebrate his extraordinary Test career:
Legacy and Future Prospects
Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. His aggressive captaincy transformed India into a formidable Test unit, especially overseas. Former India batter Sunil Gavaskar acknowledged the significant void Kohli leaves behind: “To play or not play is an individual decision. But I’m not surprised because I thought after what happened in Australia, there were going to be massive changes. India will take time to find their next No. 4 in Tests.”
What’s Next for Kohli?
With his Test career now behind him, Kohli will focus exclusively on ODI cricket, having already retired from T20 Internationals. The 2027 World Cup in South Africa appears to be his primary target. Beyond cricket, Kohli has an expanding business empire in India with investments in fitness centers, sportswear brands, and various other ventures. He also remains one of the most marketable athletes globally with numerous brand endorsements.
Kohli’s Test career by numbers:
- Matches: 113
- Runs: 9,230
- Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 27
- Double centuries: 7
- Highest score: 254*
- Matches as captain: 68
- Wins as captain: 40
Fitness Revolution and Cultural Impact
Beyond statistics, Kohli’s greatest contribution to Indian cricket may be the fitness revolution he spearheaded. He transformed the physical standards expected of Indian cricketers, making fitness non-negotiable. Sri Lankan cricket legend Sanath Jayasuriya noted: “While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you’ve made behind the scenes.”
With 272 million Instagram followers and 67.8 million on X (formerly Twitter), Kohli’s influence extends far beyond cricket. His popularity has been cited as a key factor in cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, demonstrating his global impact on the sport’s reach and appeal.
As Virat Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he leaves behind a legacy that transcends statistics. From a brash young talent to India’s most successful Test captain, his journey embodied the evolution of Indian cricket on the world stage. In the words of former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan, “You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.”
Kohli’s Greatest Test Innings
Relive the most memorable Test innings from Virat Kohli’s illustrious career, from his breakthrough century in Adelaide to his masterful 254* against South Africa.
The Future of Indian Test Cricket
With Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired, who will lead India’s Test batting lineup? Explore the rising stars poised to fill the enormous void left by these legends.
