Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
By Shouvik Das | June 17, 2025 | Sportspaglu.com
🇮🇳 The Final Salute: Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket
In a moment that marks the end of a golden era, Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest ever cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old made the announcement via social media after India’s historic series win over Australia at home in June 2025.
Kohli’s decision has sent waves through the cricketing world, as fans, players, and legends of the game pay tribute to the man who redefined Test cricket for a new generation.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career At a Glance
- Debut: June 20, 2011 vs West Indies
- Last Test: June 8, 2025 vs Australia (Delhi)
- Matches: 119
- Runs: 9,765
- Average: 49.68
- Centuries: 29
- Double Centuries: 7
- Captaincy: 68 matches – 40 wins, 17 losses, 11 draws
Kohli retires as one of India’s most prolific Test batsmen and its most successful Test captain.
Why Kohli’s Retirement Matters
Virat Kohli wasn’t just a run-machine — he was the heartbeat of India’s Test resurgence. His aggressive, passionate approach to the format brought back interest in red-ball cricket, especially among younger fans.
Under his leadership:
- India became the No.1 ranked Test team for 42 consecutive months (2016–2020)
- Historic series wins in Australia (2018-19, 2020-21)
- Unbeaten home streak: India didn’t lose a single home series under Kohli’s captaincy
Kohli’s Test Legacy: Records and Milestones
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| Most Test wins as Indian captain | 40 |
| First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia | 2018-19 |
| Fastest Indian to 8,000, 9,000 Test runs | Yes |
| Most Test runs in South Africa by an Indian | 847 runs |
| Only Indian with 7 Test double centuries | Yes |
Kohli’s name now sits among the legends — Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, and Rahul Dravid — in the pantheon of Indian batting greatness.
Kohli’s Emotional Retirement Statement
“It’s been an honor wearing the whites for India. I gave everything I had to Test cricket — the format I respect the most. Now, it’s time for the next generation to take over. I’ll continue to be around, cheering loud as ever.”
Reactions from the Cricket World
- Sachin Tendulkar: “Proud of the way you carried the legacy forward, Virat.”
- Steve Smith: “Toughest opponent I’ve faced. Always up for a fight.”
- Ben Stokes: “Test cricket will miss that intensity.”
- BCCI President Jay Shah: “Thank you for making Indian Test cricket a global brand again.”
Trending hashtags: #KohliRetires, #ThankYouVirat, #GOATKohli
What’s Next for Virat Kohli?
While he steps away from red-ball cricket, Kohli confirmed he will continue to play white-ball formats — including the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026. He is also expected to take on mentorship roles for India and in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Would You Like a Hero Visual?
I can generate a hero image of Virat Kohli walking off the field one last time in whites, surrounded by fans and teammates — ideal for your article banner.
Final Thoughts: Farewell to the King of Test Passion
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket isn’t just the end of a career — it’s the end of a chapter in Indian cricket’s history. His charisma, fitness, and love for the game turned him into a global icon. While the whites are hung up, Kohli’s fire continues in colored jerseys, and his legacy in Test cricket is sealed forever.
#ViratKohli #KohliRetirement #TestCricketLegend #ThankYouVirat #IndianCricket2025