Virat Kohli Retirement News.

Virat Kohli's Test Cricket Farewell

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, putting an end to a 14-year saga in the longest form. His Instagram caption summed up the emotional complexity of the moment: "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket… I've given it everything I had."

Legacy Across Whites: A Career of Pure Impact:-

Matches & Runs: Kohli retired after 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 fifties.

Captaincy: Between 2014 and 2022, he captained India in 68 Tests, winning 40—a country record in Test victories.

Rankings & Records: Retired India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer, and national record holder of most double hundreds (seven).

Planning the Farewell: Thoughtful Exit

This goodbyes wasn't an impulsive one. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar disclosed that Kohli had conveyed his decision quite in advance, taking care of his capability of maintaining high performance levels .

Emotional Reverence and Respect

Kohli’s words to the format were heartfelt: “It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”. The cricket world responded in kind—tributes flowed in from fans, peers, and even cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri .

A Duo Stands Down from Red-Ball Cricket

Kohli followed in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma's Test retirement, marking the end of an era in dominance. Their concurrent absence from Tests demands a generational change—and that change is in the making.

The 'Why' Behind the Decision

Aside from being thoughtful, personal aspects motivated his decision:

Mental exhaustion and physical strain have been mentioned as key reasons according to reports.

Former India batter Manoj Tiwary suggested Kohli may have felt unwanted in the team—a complex emotion he likely won’t discuss publicly anymore, having grown spiritually and personally .

He also even played a Ranji Trophy match post-retirement, reflecting his complex relationship with the game .

What About ODIs and IPL?

Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket did not mark the end of his white-ball journey.

T20 Internationals

He had himself distanced himself from T20Is after guiding India to the win in the 2024 T20 World Cup, declaring that young blood should now claim the reins .

ODIs

In spite of rumors swirling around, he's yet in the ODI scene. His de-listing from ICC ODI rankings on August 20, 2025, caused social media frenzy, although no official retirement ensued. BCCI VP Rajeev Shukla categorically stated that neither Kohli nor Rohit has been requested to retire; their presence is still vital for future ODI tournaments.

IPL – A 'Lion' Till the End?

Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru stint in the IPL goes on with zeal. He announced his template firmly: "I won't play as an Impact Player; I will play like a lion … the day I have to play as just an Impact Player, I will quit." .

What Comes Next?

As Kohli stays dedicated to cricket, the post-retirement path looks subdued:

News suggests his next step could be more private and surprise supporters with discreet changes.

In line with that, he's ventured into strategic investments—investments in athleisure company Agilitas, and as a Strategic Investor in the World Bowling League (WBL) .

A Moment of Transition, Not an End

1. He's bid farewell to Test cricket—a departure worthy of his commitment.

2. Remaining active in ODIs and IPL, Kohli keeps giving and motivating.

3. His retirement tale is done in a mood of emotion, foresight, and growth, not melodrama.

4. The cricket fraternity accepts his Test retirement as a culmination of a dominant chapter, but the white-ball chapter still has to be written.

5. And on a personal level, Kohli appears set to adapt to new roles off the pitch, merging business, introspection, and a less boisterous presence.

Five Questions & Answers

1. Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket in May 2025?

Ans:- He mentioned mental tiredness, injuries, and an inner personal preparedness to move on—echoing a ride that had given him so much more than he could've ever even dreamed of. The announcement was also carefully crafted and prior to its public announcement .

2. What was his Test career legacy?

Ans:- In more than 14 years, Kohli had played 123 Tests, amassed 9,230 runs, 30 of them centuries, and captained India to 40 Test victories—most by any Indian captain. He is still a class-calibre figure in India's red-ball history .

3. Has he retired from ODIs and IPL?

Ans:- No. Kohli persists in ODIs—even after being dropped from rankings, the BCCI assures he is not out. In the IPL, he retains his aggressive level: he'll play only as long as he keeps scoring most— not as a game-changing sub .

4. What raised speculations regarding his ODI retirement?

Ans:- A photo of his graying beard going viral fueled fan gossip, and vanishing from ICC ODI rankings on August 20, 2025, fueled rumors. Nonetheless, no word yet on retiring from ODIs .

5. What will Kohli do after retirement?

Ans:- Although reticent on off-the-field plans, hints are he will adopt a low-key phase—perhaps on personal development, investments (athleisure, sports entrepreneurship), and living close to the game off field.