Virat Kohli officially announces Test retirement: "It’s not easy, but..."
Published - 12 May 2025, 12:01 PM | Updated - 12 May 2025, 02:15 PM
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India National Cricket Team batter Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The batter made the decision public through a social media post on Monday (12th May), saying that he will always look back at his career with a smile.
Since the last few days there were lot of reports that Virat Kohli conveyed about his decision to the BCCI. But, it was also mentioned that the governing body is doing its best to convince the right-hander to rethink his decision and play the England series.
As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right - Virat Kohli
However, the talks seem to have taken no toll on Virat Kohli as he shocked many with his decision, and it came just ahead of the squad announcement of a five-match Test series against England. The premier batter took to his Instagram account, talking about how Test cricket helped him shape his career, and added that there is something personal about playing in whites.
He also added that it's not easy for him to retire, but he feels it was the right time for him to do this. Kohli also mentioned that he gave everything that he had and I'm return got more than that. He explained:
"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. As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for.
I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile, 269 signing off - Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli added that he will be walking away with the heart ful for gratitude. He concluded by saying that he will always look back at his Test career with smile. He added:
"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."
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Virat Kohli ends his career as one of the greats of the game
Virat Kohli ends his career as one of the greats of the game. He made a massive impact in the format, and it was because of himthat Test cricket was alive. He ended his career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 games. His tally also included 30 Test tons and 31 fifties.
Not only this, he also ended up as the greatest Test captain of India. Under his leadership, the team became a dominating force in the longest format of the game, as apart from winning games at home, they also won overseas.
Read Also: Jasprit Bumrah rejects India Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement
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Ankitjit is an author at Cricketaddictor. He has been working with the organization since April 2023... Read more
