Kohli officially announces retirement from Test cricket

Virat Kohli put an end to all speculation by formally announcing his retirement from Test cricket

Hyderabad: Virat Kohli put an end to all speculation by formally announcing his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

Kohli, arguably one of India’s greatest cricketers ever, said that it had been 14 years since he first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket.

“Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli said.

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever,” he said.

“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.

I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” he said. For the record, Kohli played 123 Tests, including 68 as captain and scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85.