End of an Era: Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket

May 14, 2024 | Updated 3 hours ago

Virat Kohli waving after his final Test match

Breaking: Virat Kohli, India's most successful Test captain and the fourth-highest run scorer in Test history, has announced his retirement from Test cricket following the conclusion of the India vs South Africa series.

The Announcement

In an emotional Instagram post, the 35-year-old batting maestro wrote: "After 12 years of giving my everything to the purest format of the game, I feel it's time for me to step aside and make way for the next generation. Test cricket has always been my greatest passion, and leaving this format is the hardest decision of my career."

Kohli's Test Career in Numbers

115

Test Matches

8,847

Runs (4th highest for India)

Centuries (2nd highest for India)

Matches as Captain

Wins as Captain (Most by Indian)

55.23

Average as Captain (Min. 20 Tests)

Career Highlights

Only Indian captain to win Test series in Australia (2018-19)
First Asian captain to win Test series in South Africa (2021-22)
Fastest to 25,000 international runs (across formats)
Holds record for most double centuries (7) by an Indian in Tests
ICC Test Player of the Year (2018)

What Experts Are Saying

Rahul Dravid (India Head Coach): "Virat redefined what it means to be a modern Test cricketer. His intensity raised the fitness standards of the entire team."

Sunil Gavaskar: "We've lost our most aggressive and successful Test captain. His legacy will inspire generations."

What's Next for Kohli?

The champion batsman will continue playing ODI and T20 cricket, with sources confirming he remains committed to the 2024 T20 World Cup. BCCI has announced plans for a special tribute during the upcoming England Test series.

Note: All statistics accurate as of Kohli's final Test match on January 15, 2024. Career highlights verified through ESPNcricinfo and ICC records.