Virat Kohli announce retirement from test cricket 

Virat Kohli Stuns Cricket World with Test Retirement Ahead of England Series — Possible Reasons Explained

May 12, 2025

In a move that sent shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity, Indian cricket stalwart Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. The decision, shared via his social media platforms, comes just days after Rohit Sharma also bid farewell to the red-ball format, leaving India’s Test team poised for a generational shift ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series against England.

The Timing Raises Eyebrows

Kohli’s announcement couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture. With the England series set to kickstart a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, the departure of two iconic batters leaves selectors with a massive void to fill. According to sources close to the BCCI, Kohli had communicated his decision privately and was urged to reconsider — but the 35-year-old was firm in his resolve.

Why Now? Possible Reasons Behind Kohli’s Exit

1. Smooth Transition for Team India:

Kohli may have timed his retirement strategically, offering the selectors clarity as they rebuild the Test side. His exit, along with Rohit's, paves the way for the likes of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer to cement their places. There’s also speculation that Cheteshwar Pujara could make a comeback to lend experience to the new-look batting order.

2. Form Concerns:

Kohli’s recent red-ball form has come under scrutiny, especially after a sub-par showing in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. He managed just 190 runs in 5 Tests — including a lone century — exposing vulnerabilities, particularly outside off-stump.

3. Focus on ODI World Cup 2027:

Kohli has been vocal about his desire to win the ODI World Cup — a title he cherishes deeply after India’s heartbreak in the 2023 final. By stepping away from Tests, he could be aiming to preserve his fitness and focus entirely on excelling in white-ball cricket in the lead-up to World Cup 2027.

A Glorious Test Legacy

Kohli retires from Tests with a monumental record:

Matches: 123

Runs: 9,230

Average: 46.85

Centuries: 30

Half-centuries: 51

As a captain, he ranks among the best, with 40 Test wins, making him India’s most successful Test skipper and the fourth-most successful globally, trailing only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.

What’s Next?

With both Kohli and Rohit exiting the Test arena, Team India finds itself at a crossroads. But for fans of the legendary batter, there's solace in knowing that the ODI and T20I formats still have Virat Kohli — now with a renewed purpose and clear target: World Cup glory in 2027.