Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket, looks back at “The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments”

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. He took to his social media to announce the news through a statement. The 36-year-old put an end to his 14-year Test career just a few days after another Indian star batter Rohit Sharma retired from the format.

Virat Kohli’s statement on Test cricket retirement

Virat Kohli took to the Instagram and shared the heart-breaking news with an emotional post. He looked back at his journey saying, “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 added, “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.”
He further added, “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.”

Kohli ends his Test career as a legend

Amidst the news of BCCI trying to alter his decision, Sachin Tendulkar trying to convince him, Virat Kohli took the final call. The journey that started in 2011 against West Indies in Jamaica, ended with the New Year’s Test against Australia in Sydney.

He retires as India’s fourth highest run-scorer in Test cricket behind Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Gavaskar. In 123 Tests, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score—an unbeaten 254—came against South Africa in 2019 at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

Kohli refuses to reconsider

Reportedly, on Saturday, Kohli already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to retire from Test cricket. Despite requests from a senior BCCI official Kohli refused to reconsider. His official retirement statement ended with a gratitude note for everyone he came across over these years.

“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.”

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