कृपया इसे हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए यहाँ क्लिक करें
On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket via an emotional Instagram post, describing the decision as “not easy – but it feels right.” He ends a 14-year red-ball career spanning 123 Tests, 9,230 runs at 46.85, 30 centuries, and seven double hundreds, finishing as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer and holding the national record for most Test victories as captain (40 wins) between 2014 and 2022. His farewell follows that of Rohit Sharma and marks the close of an era in Indian Test cricket, even as Kohli will continue in white-ball formats and the IPL.
Test Retirement Announcement
Virat Kohli, aged 36, announced on May 12, 2025 that he would retire from Test cricket, a format he described as both his toughest challenge and greatest teacher. In his Instagram message, he wrote, “Not easy – but it feels right,” reflecting on the deep bond he formed with the longest format of the game over 14 years. The decision comes just days after former team captain Rohit Sharma stepped away from Tests, ahead of India’s upcoming five-match series in England starting June 20, 2025.
Career Highlights and Backstory
- Debut and Early Rise: Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies at Kingston at age 22.
- First Test Century: He scored his maiden Test century (116) at Adelaide Oval in January 2012, silencing critics and announcing himself on the world stage.
- Statistical Milestones: Over 123 Tests, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and a record seven double hundreds.
- Captaincy Record: As captain from 2014 to 2022, he led India in 68 Tests for 40 wins—the most by any Indian skipper—and guided the team to two World Test Championship finals.
- Legacy Rankings: He leaves as India’s fourth-highest Test run-scorer behind Tendulkar, Dravid, and Gavaskar and holds the national record for Test double centuries.
Ground-Level Impact and Personal Journey
Born on November 5, 1988 in Delhi into a Punjabi Hindu family, Kohli’s childhood revolved around gully cricket in Uttam Nagar and early coaching under Rajkumar Sharma at the West Delhi Cricket Academy. His father, Prem Kohli, a criminal lawyer, and mother, Saroj Kohli, supported his passion from age 3, steering him toward professional training. After his father’s passing in 2006, Virat’s dedication deepened, culminating in U19 World Cup leadership in 2008 and rapid elevation to India’s senior team.
Memorable Moments and Humorous Anecdotes
- Australia Magic: Against Australia, Kohli scored 2,232 runs in Tests—his most prolific opposition—highlighted by nine centuries, including seven in Australia, and two historic series victories down under.
- Fans’ Frenzy: Spectators famously chanted “Kohli! Kohli!” at packed stadiums, a chorus so loud it became a viral meme and a badge of his universal appeal (unpublished crowd footage).
- Aussie Bowlers’ Relief: Australian bowlers breathed a collective sigh of relief at the news, joking that domestic pacers might now get a chance at the crease.
Unknown Facts and Trivia
- Kohli holds the national record for the fastest 8,000 Test runs by an Indian player, achieving the mark in just 195 innings.
- He was the first Indian batsman to score six Test centuries in a calendar year (2016).
- Beyond cricket, he co-founded the Green Army Foundation for environmental causes in 2022 (news release).
What Lies Ahead
Though retiring from Test cricket, Kohli remains under contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and is expected to feature in India’s upcoming ODI and T20I campaigns, particularly leading up to global events like the Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup. Fans and analysts alike anticipate his role evolving into that of a senior mentor balancing experience with emerging talent.
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