Virat Kohli Test Retirement: Indian Cricket’s Golden Age Ends
An action that shocked the cricket community, Virat Kohli reportedly told the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he is retiring from Test cricket. The press statement was released before India’s five-Test series against England started on June 20, 2025. The move represents the end of an important chapter in Indian cricket, especially in the immediate aftermath of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the red-ball game. Kohli was 36 at the time.
A Storied Test Career
In his first Test match, Virat Kohli played the West Indies in June 2011. At an average of 46.85, he amassed 9,230 runs in 123 games, including 30 hundreds and 31 half-centuries. His dominance in the longest game is still evident in his record of 254 not out.
Beyond the stats, Kohli’s time while a Test captain was revolutionary. After succeeding MS Dhoni, he led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40 & setting a record of 58.82, the most of every Indian Test captain. Under his command, India won its first-ever Test series in Australia and scaled the top of the ICC Test rankings.
Rising Pressure & Declining Form
Over the past few years, Kohli’s performance in Test cricket has dropped dramatically. Since January 2020, he has averaged 31.32 in 38 Test matches, but he has only reached three hundreds. Aside from a century in Perth, he only managed 67 runs at 11.16 in six innings during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy match against Australia, highlighting his issues. Persistent technical problems were evident in his frequent dismissals for pursuing deliveries outside the off-stump.
His performance has been discussed by former cricket players and commentators.A former Indian spinner, Atul Wassan, pointed to Kohli’s protracted batting slump and underlined the importance of the BCCI having a clear succession plan. Daryll Cullinan, a former South African batsman, too attributed Kohli’s subpar performance to complications with his stance and set-up at the crease.
BCCI’s Response and Team Dynamics
As the England series approaches, the BCCI, which apparently was surprised by Kohli’s claim, is urging him to change his mind. The Indian Test ranks are severely lacking is a result of his departure and Rohit Sharma’s retirement just last week. The experience and leadership provided by the pair have been instrumental in steering the team through difficult times.
Concerns about dressing room cohesion were further heightened by claims of internal conflict between the team during the most recent Australian tour. It was believed that Kohli’s presence was the glue holding these tensions together.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
The influence of Virat Kohli on Indian cricket extends beyond his numbers. His bold style, focus on fitness, and focus on a winning mentality have changed the ethos of the team. Even though he no longer plays Test cricket, Kohli is still an important member of India’s limited-overs squads. It’s interesting to note that he achieved a number of shows while playing a major role in India’s recent Champions Trophy victory.
Fans and cricket lovers around the world will remember Kohli to be one of the modern game’s greats, a player whose passion and dedication took Indian cricket to new heights, even though he moves away from the longest format.