Yep, you read that right – Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket!
So here’s what happened…
The Announcement That Broke Cricket Fans
On Monday (May 12, 2025), Virat shared an emotional Instagram post that left fans reaching for tissues. In his heartfelt message, he wrote:
“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.”
He signed off with “#269, signing off” – a nod to being India’s 269th Test player.
Talk About Terrible Timing!
What makes this retirement even more shocking? The timing!
India is just ONE MONTH away from a crucial five-Test series in England. With Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin already having hung up their Test boots, this is basically the cricket equivalent of “When it rains, it pours.”
Indian cricket is officially in transition mode, folks. And what a transition it is!
Kohli: The King’s Legacy, By The Numbers
Before we get all emotional, let’s take a moment to appreciate what this man has achieved in the longest format:
- 123 Tests played (that’s a LOT of cricket!)
- 9,230 runs scored (4th highest for India)
- 46.85 batting average
- 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries
- 7 double centuries (4th most in Test history)
- 68 Tests as captain
- 40 wins as captain (most by any Indian captain)
- 58.82% win percentage as captain
And the crown jewel? Leading India to their FIRST-EVER Test series win in Australia in 2018-19. That’s something even the legendary Sachin couldn’t do!
Why Now, Virat? WHY?
The big question on everyone’s mind: Why retire now?
While Kohli hasn’t spelled it out, the numbers tell a story:
- Since 2020, he’s averaged just 30.72 in 39 Tests
- Compare that to his golden period (2016-2019) when he averaged a godly 66.79
- His recent Australia tour wasn’t exactly highlight-reel material
In his retirement post, Kohli simply said: “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right.”
Sometimes, even kings know when it’s time to pass the crown. 👑
Who’s Next In Line For The Throne?
With Kohli’s departure, Team India has a Kohli-sized hole to fill in the middle order. Here are the contenders for the hot seat:
- Sai Sudharsan: The young opener with a Ranji Trophy average of 76.00
- Shreyas Iyer: Looking to cement his place with a solid domestic record
- KL Rahul: India’s crisis man with English conditions experience
- Sarfaraz Khan: The domestic cricket beast with a First Class average of 65.61
- Karun Nair: Remember him? India’s second triple-centurion is back in form
There are even whispers about bringing back veterans like Pujara and Rahane for the England tour. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
Social Media Gone Wild
As expected, Twitter (or X, whatever you call it these days) and Instagram exploded with reactions. From heartfelt tributes to hilarious memes- the internet has been working overtime!
The BCCI tweeted: “His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished.”
Former teammate Yuvraj Singh wrote: “Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything!”
AB de Villiers, his RCB buddy, called him a “True legend!”
But our favorite might be from Mayank Agarwal: “Unmatched passion, unmatched energy, and a fight that was awe-inspiring. Test cricket had a heartbeat, and it was you…”
The Bigger Picture: End Of An Era
Let’s be real – this isn’t just about one player retiring. With Rohit, Ashwin, and now Kohli gone, we’re witnessing the end of a golden era in Indian cricket.
The new generation, potentially led by Shubman Gill, has massive shoes to fill. Like, MASSIVE.
Thank You, King!
For 14 years, Virat Kohli showed us what passion looks like on a cricket field. He didn’t just play Test cricket. He LIVED it. The aggression, the celebrations, the fierce determination- He changed how India approached the format.
Before Kohli, we hoped to compete overseas. With Kohli, we expected to win.
He may have scored fewer runs than Sachin in his first 123 Tests, but what he did for Indian cricket’s mindset is immeasurable.
So here’s to you, #269. Test cricket won’t be the same without you pumping your fist and screaming “Come on!” after every wicket.
What’s Next?
Will Kohli continue in white-ball cricket? Who’ll step up in the England series? Will we ever see another player with his intensity?
Drop your thoughts in the comments! And while you’re having feelings about this retirement, share this with another cricket fan who’s probably going through the same emotions right now.Read about Kohli’s future business plans here.
