Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 13, 2025. Among his 14 years of playing, every bit of time was glorious, and the way he has redefined excellence in this format is just unbelievable. Virat Kohli’s Test Career was incomparable. His stats speak for themselves. He led with fire and pride. Indian cricket will miss him-an era ends, but a legacy remains.
A Stellar Test Career
It was on June 20, 2011, when Indian cricketer Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies. Playing 123 Tests, he scored runs amounting to 9230 with an average of 46.85. He had 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name. His highest score was 254 not out, which reflects his batting strength.
Cricket records of Virat Kohli wasn’t just numbers. Kohli’s passion and intensity lifted the Indian Test team. His fitness and aggressive play inspired many. After a tough 2014 England tour, he transformed. He had struggled against James Anderson. By 2018, he returned stronger. He mastered the same conditions that once challenged him. His resilience stood out.
Leadership and Legacy
Under his leadership, Kohli led India in 68 Test matches. He achieved 40 wins, more than any other Indian captain. Many milestones came under his leadership: India won a historic Test series in Australia in 2018-19, while under him, the team performed well both at home and overseas. The style and motivation set forth by him were paramount.
Kohli stressed discipline and fitness. He set new standards in the team. His approach built a culture of excellence. India stayed competitive in all conditions. His leadership changed the mindset. His legacy as captain is lasting.
Records and Milestones
Kohli’s Test career is adorned with numerous records:
Most games as captain
Kohli led India in 68 Test matches. This shows his endurance and strong temperament. He thrived in the toughest format.
Most Test wins as skipper
India lost only 17 of those 68 Tests. They won 40 and drew 11. His win percentage is 58.82. That’s the best by an Indian captain.
First captain to win a Test series in Australia
In 2018-19, Kohli led India to a series win in Australia. It was a historic Border-Gavaskar Trophy win. He was the first Indian captain to do so.
No. 1 in Test Team Rankings
India stayed No. 1 in ICC Test Rankings from 2016 to 2021. Under Kohli, they led for five straight years. They also reached the WTC final in 2021.
Matching Ricky Ponting’s record
India won 9 Test series in a row under Kohli. This matched Ricky Ponting’s all-time record. It shows Kohli’s winning mindset.
Highest score as Indian captain
In 2019, Kohli scored 254* vs South Africa. It remains the highest Test score by an Indian captain. He led from the front.
Most runs as Indian skipper
Kohli made 5864 runs as captain in Tests. That’s the most by any Indian captain. He stepped down in 2022.
Twin centuries on captaincy debut
Kohli scored 115 and 141 on his captaincy debut. It came in the 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. No other Indian captain has done this.
4th most runs in Tests for India
Only Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar scored more Test runs. Kohli ranks fourth among India’s all-time greats.
Most centuries in a single overseas series
Kohli scored four centuries in the 2014-15 Australia tour. No Indian has done that in one overseas series. It’s a unique achievement.
Most double centuries by an Indian in Tests: 7
Fastest Indian to 27,000 international runs: 594 innings
His consistency across formats is unparalleled, with 82 international centuries—second only to Sachin Tendulkar. With milestones and records littered across a glorious career, Kohli calls time on his journey as a Test cricketer, labelling it a decision that is ‘not easy, but feels right’. 9,230 runs and several more milestones later, Kohli retires as cricketing royalty.
The Emotional Farewell to Virat Kohli’s Test Career
Kohli announced his retirement before India’s Test series against England. The news surprised fans and the cricket world. In an emotional Instagram post, he reflected on his journey. He wrote, “Playing in whites challenged and shaped me, offering invaluable life lessons.”
His wife, Anushka Sharma, shared a touching message. She spoke about his unseen struggles and sacrifices. “They’ll talk about the records and milestones, but I’ll remember the tears you never showed,” she wrote.
Soon after the announcement, the couple visited Vrindavan. They went to the ashram of spiritual guru Shri Premanand Govind Sharan Ji Maharaj. This visit sparked speculation. Fans discussed Kohli’s future plans. His next chapter, both personal and professional, remains a topic of great interest.
Continuing the Cricketing Journey
Kohli has retired from Test cricket but is still active. He continues to play ODIs for India. In the IPL, he represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His presence remains strong on the field. Fans still look forward to his performances. His leadership and experience are key assets. Young players continue to learn from him. Kohli’s passion for the game hasn’t faded. He remains a vital part of Indian cricket. The journey continues, just in a different form.
