Virat Kohli shocked the cricket world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. The news came as a surprise to fans and fellow cricket enthusiasts alike. Kohli’s decision to hang up his pads marked the end of a remarkable 14-year career.
Kohli’s Test debut was back in 2011 against the West Indies, where he scored just 4 runs in his first innings. However, he went on to become one of India’s most prolific Test batsmen. Over 123 matches, he played 210 innings, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. His tally included 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
A Sudden Farewell
Many fans were left heartbroken by Kohli’s sudden retirement, especially since he didn’t get to play a farewell match on Indian soil. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor was one of them. Tharoor met Kohli early in his career and admired his skills, particularly in Test cricket. He took to social media to express his disappointment, saying, “I’m truly sad to see him go so early, so unexpectedly… Why, Virat? We all still need you!”
Kohli’s retirement announcement came as he continues to play in the IPL 2025 with Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their next match is against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17. An RCB win would secure their spot in the playoffs.
Kohli is now focused on his limited-overs career. He had previously retired from T20 internationals and will continue to play in the ODI format. His legacy in Test cricket, however, is already cemented – as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in the format.