Star cricketer Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday morning through an emotional Instagram post, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.
“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,” Kohli wrote. “It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
Known for his passion and grit in whites, Kohli reflected on the personal connection he felt with the format. “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,” he said.
Kohli admitted the decision wasn’t easy but felt it was the right time to move on. “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. 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,” he added.
He signed off the post with a simple yet poignant note: “#269, signing off,” marking his position in India’s long list of Test players.
Kohli’s decision comes as no surprise to some. With over 8,000 runs in Test matches and countless iconic moments, Kohli’s legacy in red-ball cricket is sure to be remembered as one of India’s greatest.
