Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, May 12: Indian cricket star Virat Kohli on Monday officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on an illustrious 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The announcement came through a heartfelt Instagram post, where the former India captain reflected on his career and the emotional bond he shares with Test cricket.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on,” Kohli wrote. “It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
Kohli expressed his deep admiration for the traditional format, describing it as "deeply personal" and appreciating the “quiet grind” and “small moments” that define Test cricket.
His retirement follows closely on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s exit from Test cricket, adding to the growing transition phase in Indian cricket.
Kohli leaves behind a monumental legacy. In 123 Tests, he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. Under his captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 Tests, making him the most successful Test captain in the country's history.
The decision has drawn strong reactions from the cricketing fraternity. Former India coach Lalchand Rajput expressed disappointment at the timing of Kohli's departure, especially with a high-profile tour of England around the corner.
“He is one of the greatest players India has produced,” Rajput said in an interview. “His presence brings calm, authority, and a wealth of knowledge in demanding conditions. I feel he should have played the England tour.”
With Kohli and Rohit both stepping away from the format, speculation over India’s next Test captain has intensified. While Shubman Gill is seen as a long-term leadership option, Rajput believes Jasprit Bumrah should lead the team in the interim.
“Bumrah has experience leading the side, including during the World Test Championship final in England. Given those conditions, I’d back him for the job now,” he said. “Gill is being groomed for the future, and this is a good opportunity for him to learn under Bumrah.”
The upcoming England tour poses further challenges, with fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Bumrah both facing fitness uncertainties. Rajput acknowledged that their absence would be a huge blow.
“Bowling in England is more about skill and discipline than raw pace. Without Bumrah and Shami, we’ll lose a lot of experience,” he said.
However, he also saw opportunities for emerging players like Sai Sudharsan. Praising the youngster’s temperament and consistency in domestic cricket, Rajput suggested a top-order role for him in the Test setup.
“Sai has the mindset for red-ball cricket. I’d like to see him at No.3, with Jaiswal and Gill opening,” he said. “The real test will be how quickly he adapts from IPL to red-ball cricket in English conditions.”
As Indian cricket prepares for a new era, Kohli’s absence will be deeply felt. His passion, intensity, and commitment to Test cricket helped redefine India’s approach to the format and inspired a generation.