In a move that could mark the end of an iconic era in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intentions to retire from Test cricket. As India gears up for the pivotal five-match series in England beginning June 20, Kohli’s decision comes as a significant development, especially given his expected presence in the squad. According to ESPNcricinfo, this wasn’t a sudden call—Kohli has reportedly been in discussions with BCCI officials for over a month regarding his future in the longest format.
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Kohli’s Test Legacy: Numbers That Speak for Themselves
Spanning 14 years, Virat Kohli’s red-ball journey has been nothing short of monumental. Across 123 Tests, including 68 as captain, he amassed 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. Under his leadership, India secured 40 victories, making him the most successful Test captain the country has ever produced. He outperformed predecessors like MS Dhoni (27 wins) and Sourav Ganguly (21 wins), and globally, only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh have more Test wins as captains.
Kohli’s tenure wasn’t just about leadership; his batting prowess defined an entire generation. His peak came between 2016 and 2018, where he aggregated 3596 runs in 35 Tests, averaging 66.59. That stretch featured 14 centuries and eight half-centuries, a golden run rarely witnessed in modern cricket. He averaged 75.93 in 2016, 75.64 in 2017, and 55.08 in 2018, culminating with a stellar 68.00 in 2019.
Form Dip in Recent Years
Despite his historic achievements, the past couple of years have seen a decline in Kohli’s Test form. His last three-figure score before the Perth century in November 2024 came in July 2023 against the West Indies. Since his career-best 254* in 2019, Kohli’s average dropped to 32.56 across the last 24 months. This statistical downturn contrasts sharply with his dominance during the previous decade.
Still, Kohli remains a cornerstone in the Indian setup, especially given the ongoing transition. With several veterans having stepped away—Rohit Sharma recently retired from Tests, and R Ashwin concluded his international career during the 2024-25 Australia series—Kohli’s presence offers both experience and stability.
Changing Guard: New Era Beckons
With Rohit exiting, Shubman Gill has emerged as the front-runner to assume the Test captaincy. India now finds itself entering a period of transformation. Senior players like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah will shoulder increased responsibilities as the team rebuilds around younger talent. Kohli’s departure, should it be final, will leave a massive void in the dressing room, both in terms of performance and leadership.
Although Kohli and Rohit had both secured A+ central contracts from the BCCI—reserved for all-format players—their recent exits from T20Is after India’s World Cup triumph and now potentially from Tests suggest that both will focus solely on ODIs going forward.
Kohli and England: A Story of Redemption and Glory
England holds a special place in Kohli’s Test narrative. His dismal 2014 tour, where he managed only 134 runs in ten innings, was avenged spectacularly in 2018. That year, he topped the run charts across both sides, scoring 583 runs at an average of 59.30, including two centuries. His dominance on swinging English pitches, especially after previous struggles, elevated his status globally. 2018 also proved to be his most prolific calendar year with 1322 runs.
Such performances built Kohli’s reputation as a tireless competitor and technically astute batter who could adapt and evolve. Whether it was pace in Australia or spin in the subcontinent, Kohli stood tall in every condition.
What Lies Ahead
Though Kohli’s Test journey appears to be drawing to a close, his contributions will continue to echo through the halls of Indian cricket. “Virat has informed us about his desire to retire from Tests,” a BCCI official told ESPNcricinfo. “He’s been thinking about it for a while.”
Should he indeed bid adieu, Kohli’s legacy will remain untarnished. From debuting as a promising youngster to becoming the backbone of India’s batting unit and its most successful Test leader, he has seen it all.
As fans brace for a potentially emotional farewell during the England series, one thing is certain: Kohli’s name will forever be etched in the rich tapestry of Test cricket history.
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FAQs
Has Virat Kohli told BCCI he wants to retire from Test cricket?
Yes, Virat Kohli has informed the BCCI that he wishes to retire from Test cricket ahead of the England series starting June 20.
Will Virat Kohli play the upcoming Test series in England?
Yes, Kohli is expected to be part of the squad for the five-match Test series in England despite his retirement plans.
How many Test matches has Virat Kohli played so far?
Virat Kohli has played 123 Test matches and scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.
Is Shubman Gill taking over as India’s next Test captain?
Yes, Shubman Gill is the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as India’s Test captain after Rohit’s retirement.
Which formats will Virat Kohli play after retiring from Tests?
After stepping away from Tests, Kohli will continue to play ODI cricket, having already retired from T20Is.
