“I’ve Given It Everything I Had” – Kohli Ends Test Career with Gratitude
Just days after Rohit Sharma announced his Test retirement, Virat Kohli has officially hung up his boots from red-ball cricket, ending a monumental chapter in Indian cricket. The 36-year-old shared an emotional note on Instagram, confirming his retirement after 14 years, 111 matches, and countless iconic moments in the longest format.
A Farewell to the Whites
Kohli 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
Why Now? The Inside Story
Reports had been circulating that the BCCI urged Kohli to hold off on his retirement, especially with India’s upcoming tour to England in the next month. However, Kohli had made up his mind, joining Rohit Sharma in stepping away from the Test arena — marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli Test Career Highlights
| Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | Best Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 | 8,848 | 49.25 | 29 | 254* |
- Debut: 2011 vs West Indies
- Captaincy Tenure: 2014 – 2022
- Iconic Series: 2018 Australia Tour (1st Indian captain to win Down Under)
- Last Test: 2024 against South Africa
What’s Next for Kohli?
Kohli has confirmed he will continue playing ODIs, with his eyes firmly set on the 2027 ICC World Cup. While his Test career concludes, his journey in white-ball cricket continues — much to the relief of Indian fans.
Fans React: End of an Era
Social media exploded with emotional tributes to the legendary cricketer. Fans, former teammates, and cricket legends poured their hearts out, calling Kohli’s Test retirement the “end of an era.”
Virat Kohli’s Instagram Retirement Post
Final Word
From Adelaide to Lord’s, from fierce rivalries to unforgettable tons, Virat Kohli’s Test legacy is etched in gold. He brought aggression, passion, and excellence to a format that demands the purest form of cricket — and he did it with unmatched pride.
🕊️ Thank you, Virat Kohli. Test cricket will miss you.
