Days after speculation that Virat Kohli would retire from the longest format of cricket, the right-handed batsman made an official statement on Monday. The former Indian team captain announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable red-ball career spanning over a decade. In a heartfelt statement, the 36-year-old described the decision as “not easy, but feels right,” closing his note with the words: “#269, Signing Off,” referring to his Test cap number.
Read Virat Kohli Retirement Post Here
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.
A Legacy Etched In Red-Ball Cricket
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and went on to become one of India’s most influential Test players. He retires with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 51 half-centuries.
His tally of 30 Test hundreds places him fourth among Indian batters, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). Kohli also holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Tests (7), and the most centuries as an Indian Test captain (20), surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s 11.
Fourth-Most Successful Captain In Test History
Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40, making him the fourth-most successful captain in Test cricket history. Only Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41) have more wins as captains.
Under his leadership, India rose to the top of the ICC Test rankings and earned accolades for their overseas performances, including historic series wins in Australia.
Kohli’s retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the longest format, leaving the Indian Test side without two of its most experienced batters.
Kohli had previously retired from T20 Internationals following India’s T20 World Cup win last year. He will now focus solely on One-Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.