New Delhi: Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, bringing curtains on an illustrious career in the whites. One of the best Test batters of the modern era, Kohli decided to quit the longest format ahead of India’s upcoming tour of England. While many expected the 36-year-old to continue for another few years, Kohli, in his retirement post, said it felt right.
The former India captain made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in June 2011 and enjoyed a stellar career spanning 14 years, where he shattered multiple records with the bat. Kohli amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of over 46, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He also retires as India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 Test matches.
Current India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former head coach Ravi Shastri both hailed Kohli after he decided to retire from Tests. Gambhir, who shared the dressing room with Kohli before serving as India’s head coach, compared Kohli’s hunger and determination to that of a lion and said he would miss his presence in the Indian team.
“A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks…” Gambhir wrote on X.
A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Shastri, who shares a great bond with Kohli, both on and off the field, wrote a heartfelt note for the legendary cricketer. The former India head coach called Kohli a modern-day giant and a fantastic ambassador for Test cricket. Under Shastri’s reign, Kohli flourished as a leader in Tests and made India a force to reckon with in the longest format.
“Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ. God bless,” Shastri wrote in a post on X.
Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025
India head coach Gautam Gambhir and former head coach Ravi Shastri hailed legendary batter Virat Kohli after he announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
