Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket Ahead of England Series

NEW DELHI, India — Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant era in the sport. The 36-year-old will step away from the longest format ahead of India’s upcoming five-match series in England, beginning June 20.

Kohli’s decision comes as a surprise to many fans and analysts. He leaves the game having scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches, averaging 46.85. His impressive career includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, making him one of the most prolific run-scorers in Indian cricket history.

The star batsman’s final series was the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, where he faced challenges at the crease. Despite hitting a century in the opening Test in Perth, Kohli struggled throughout the series, finishing with 190 runs in five matches.

Questions had been raised about Kohli’s spot on the team due to a noticeable decline in form in recent years. Although he had a resurgence in 2023 with 671 runs in eight Tests, his performances dropped off significantly last year, with only 382 runs across ten Tests.

Making his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, Kohli quickly became a cornerstone of the Indian batting line-up and captained the side in 68 matches, achieving 40 victories. He was instrumental in leading India to their first Test series win in Australia during the 2018-19 season.

As fans and former players respond to this news, tributes are pouring in for Kohli, who redefined modern Test batting in India. His absence from the format will leave a considerable void as India approaches a new cycle in the World Test Championship.