Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of our time, has announced his retirement from Test cricket at the age of 36, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career. This decision follows his earlier retirement from T20 Internationals after India’s victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Kohli continues to play in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
A Glorious Test Career
Kohli’s Test career is adorned with impressive statistics
- Matches Played: 123
- Runs Scored: 9,320
- Batting Average: 46.85
- Centuries: 30
- Double Centuries: 7 (most by an Indian)
- Test Centuries as Captain: 20 (most by an Indian captain)
As captain from 2014 to 2022, Kohli led India to 40 victories in 68 matches, elevating the team to the world’s No.1 ranking and setting new standards in professionalism and intensity.
The Emotional Farewell
In a heartfelt social media post, Kohli reflected on his journey since debuting in 2011, acknowledging the personal growth and invaluable lessons the format offered. He expressed gratitude for the game, teammates, and unwavering fan support.
His retirement announcement prompted an outpouring of emotional reactions from fans and fellow cricketers, with hashtags like #Endofanera trending on social media. Former cricketer Gautam Gambhir paid tribute, referring to Kohli as a “lion in human form” and expressing heartfelt farewell.
Reasons Behind the Retirement
While Kohli did not explicitly state his reasons, reports suggest a combination of personal and professional factors:
- Personal Considerations: Changes in his personal life may have influenced his decision.
- Board Policies: A specific rule by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) reportedly proved challenging for Kohli.
Despite the BCCI’s efforts to convince him to stay, citing leadership needs amid internal team tensions, Kohli appears firm in his decision.
What’s Next for Kohli?
Kohli continues to be active in ODIs and the IPL. He has not announced any plans to retire from these formats, and fans can look forward to his participation in upcoming series and tournaments.
Honoring a Legend
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. His passion, aggression, and commitment have left an indelible mark on the sport. As fans and the cricketing community bid farewell to his Test career, his contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
