Virat Kohli announces his retirement from Test cricket
One of world cricket’s greatest batters, Virat Kohli has brought down the curtains on his Test career, which spanned 123 matches that brought him 9,230 runs at a fabulous average of 46.85.
The stylish right-hander notched up 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name, apart from seven Test double hundreds, the most-ever by an Indian.
Virat announced his decision to call it quits from the longest format through an Instagram post, where he penned an emotional message encapsulating his emotions from the time of his debut till now.
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.”
Virat also shed light on the journey he’s been through in Tests and quipped, “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.
He concluded by saying, “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. 🇮🇳❤️”
Virat finishes his Test career as not just one of the greatest batters the sport has seen but also as one of the most successful captains, having also revolutionized the mindset with which India approached the format.
Under Virat, India clinched 40 wins from 68 Tests, making him the most successful Indian Men’s captain - in terms of wins.
