Table of Contents
- Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025: Official Announcement
- Kohli’s Test Career in Numbers
- The Legacy of Kohli in Red-Ball Cricket
- Why the Timing of Kohli’s Exit Makes Sense
- Reason 1: Falling Behind the Fab Four
- Reason 2: How Indian Legends Outshined Him in Tests
- Reason 3: The Inconsistency in the Latter Years
- Comparing Kohli’s Golden Years vs Slump Years
- Kohli’s White-Ball Brilliance and All-Format Dominance
- Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025: Legacy vs Greatness Debate
- Final Thoughts: Kohli’s Red-Ball Exit and What Lies Ahead
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025 shocked the cricketing world when it was officially announced on May 12, 2025. With India preparing for a high-voltage Test tour of England next month, Kohli’s decision to walk away from red-ball cricket came as a surprise—but not without signs.
The former India captain ends a glittering 14-year Test journey with 123 matches, 9230 runs, 30 centuries, and a legendary leadership record that includes 40 wins out of 68 Tests as captain—an Indian record. Yet, the timing of his departure speaks volumes.
According to inside reports, the BCCI tried to convince Kohli to delay his retirement and feature in the England series. But for Kohli, the decision was personal—and final. He chose to step aside with grace, leaving behind an intense, passionate legacy that shaped Indian Test cricket for a decade and beyond.
The Legacy of Virat Kohli in Test Cricket
There’s no denying that Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025 has ended an era. He brought charisma, aggression, fitness culture, and global attention to the format. In a time when Test cricket needed flag-bearers, Kohli stood tall—often with clenched fists, fiery eyes, and unmatched energy on the field.
He revived interest in Test matches post the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and VVS Laxman. His Golden Years between 2014 and 2019 were breathtaking—a period where he smashed double centuries at will and dominated bowling attacks around the world.
But is he truly among the Test greats? Or did he simply flirt with greatness?
Let’s break it down.
Also read: 2019 World Cup Semifinal Loss Reaction: Virat Kohli Calls Defeat a “Horrible Hangover”
Reason 1: Kohli Lagged Behind the ‘Fab Four’
The much-celebrated ‘Fab Four’—Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson—was a tag coined in 2014 by Martin Crowe to celebrate the four best batters of this generation. At one point, Kohli led this group. Between 2014 and 2019, his record sparkled with towering hundreds, consistent match-winning performances, and leadership excellence.
However, the past five years have told a different story.
- Joe Root has raced to 13,000+ runs, smashing 36 centuries, and is now widely regarded as the best Test batter of the era.
- Kane Williamson averages over 54, with 33 tons in 105 matches.
- Steve Smith, despite a few dips, holds an average above 53 with 36 tons as well.
In comparison, Virat Kohli’s 46.85 average looks modest. His lack of consistency post-2019 meant he couldn’t keep up with the Fab Four pack.
Reason 2: Indian Test Legends Set the Benchmark
If we examine the pantheon of India’s greatest Test batters, Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025 falls slightly short of the highest pedestal.
- Sunil Gavaskar, the original master, crossed 10,000 runs in a challenging era and scored 34 tons.
- Sachin Tendulkar, with 51 centuries, 15,921 runs, and 200 Tests, is the undisputed king.
- Rahul Dravid, the Wall, stood tall with 13,288 runs and 36 centuries over 164 Tests.
These legends displayed longevity, unshakeable technique, and relentless hunger, all through challenging phases. Kohli, despite his brilliance, couldn’t sustain such levels beyond his prime. His red-ball career sparkled, but lacked the all-weather dominance that defines true Test greats.
Reason 3: Inconsistency from 2020 Onwards
After dominating from 2014 to 2019, Virat Kohli’s form sharply declined post-2020. The numbers tell the full story:
- 39 Tests, 2028 runs, 3 centuries, and a worrying average of 30.72.
- His last century before the slump? 136 vs Bangladesh in November 2019.
- Next century? A drought-breaking 186 vs Australia in March 2023—after 41 innings.
During this same period:
- Root scored 19 hundreds.
- Williamson and Smith maintained their form and averages above 50.
Even in 2024, Kohli struggled. Across 19 innings, he managed just one century and one fifty, averaging 24.52. In 2025, he featured in only one match—scoring 23 runs at 11.50.
That kind of inconsistency—especially for a player of his stature—was hard to ignore. Kohli knew it. And perhaps that’s what made this farewell timely and dignified.
Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025: Not a Great Test Cricketer, But an All-Format Giant
Let’s be clear: Kohli may not be among the all-time greats in Test cricket, but when you stack his achievements across all three formats, few come close.
Kohli in T20Is:
- 4188 runs, average: 48.69, strike rate: 137+
- Third-highest scorer of all time
Kohli in ODIs:
- More than 13,500 runs, average: 57+, 51 centuries
- Set to surpass Sangakkara and only rival Sachin’s ODI record
Kohli in Tests:
- 9230 runs, 30 centuries, a captaincy record, and multiple double tons
Combined, these stats tell a different tale—Virat Kohli is arguably the greatest all-format batter of all time.
Where others shine in one format, Kohli thrived in all. He raised the bar in fitness, intensity, and passion. His discipline, unmatched in modern cricket, inspired a generation. In ODIs and T20Is, he’s already a GOAT. And in Tests, while short of the topmost bracket, he did enough to command enduring respect.
Final Thoughts on Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025
Virat Kohli Test Retirement 2025 is more than just the end of a red-ball chapter—it marks a shift in Indian cricket. It leaves a void in attitude, leadership, and presence.
But Kohli walks away with his head high. He didn’t overstay his welcome. He didn’t wait for selectors to nudge him out. Instead, he exited with honesty, humility, and class.
And now? He sharpens focus on ODIs and T20Is—formats where he continues to thrive. The World Cup awaits. Records beckon. And Virat Kohli, even in his next avatar, will keep rewriting cricketing history.
FAQs
When did Virat Kohli announce his retirement from Tests?
He announced it on May 12, 2025, ahead of India’s Test tour of England.
How many Test matches did Virat Kohli play?
He played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.
Why is Kohli considered a better all-format player than a pure Test legend?
While his Test numbers are solid, his dominance in ODIs and T20Is is unmatched, making him a true all-format icon.
Who are the other great Test batters from India?
Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar top the list of Indian Test legends.
Was Kohli a part of the Fab Four?
Yes, but his form dipped post-2019 while others like Root and Williamson continued to rise.
What’s next for Virat Kohli?
He is expected to focus on ODIs and T20Is, with the 2025 Champions Trophy and World T20 in sight.
