Virat Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket Ahead of England Tour

Virat Kohli's Surprising Retirement Announcement

Star Indian cricketer Virat Kohli has left fans and the cricket community in shock by declaring his retirement from Test cricket just before the upcoming tour of England. On Monday, Kohli shared the news via his Instagram account, marking the end of his remarkable 14-year Test career, during which he played 123 matches.

BCCI's Plea to Reconsider

Prior to making his retirement public, Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his intention to step back from red-ball cricket. The board reportedly urged him to rethink his decision, especially considering the significance of the five-match Test series against England. Nevertheless, Kohli remained resolute in his choice to retire.

Retirement Timing and Context

Kohli's retirement announcement came shortly after Rohit Sharma also decided to retire from Test cricket, following his removal from the captaincy ahead of the England tour, which is set to commence on June 20. Both players had previously stepped away from T20 internationals after India's T20 World Cup victory last year.

Public Reaction to Kohli's Decision

The day after his retirement announcement, Kohli and his wife, Anushka Sharma, visited Vrindavan to seek blessings from Maharaj Premachand before returning to Mumbai on May 13. A video capturing their arrival at Mumbai Airport went viral, showing the couple being photographed by paparazzi.

One photographer expressed his discontent with Kohli's retirement, stating he would no longer watch cricket. The paparazzi was heard saying, "Kohli sir, hello. Aapne galat kiya, retirement kyun liya? Ab hum cricket he nahi dekhenge. Mai ab cricket nahi dekhunga." This comment visibly surprised Kohli, while Anushka maintained a neutral expression as they walked to their car.

Kohli's Test Career Achievements

Kohli concluded his Test career as the fourth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 9,230 runs, which includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with an average of 46.85 across 123 matches. He captained Team India from 2014 to 2022, achieving 40 victories in 68 matches, making him the most successful Asian captain in Test history.

Upcoming IPL 2025 Appearance

Kohli is set to return to the field for IPL 2025 on May 17, where his team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, will face Kolkata Knight Riders at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The IPL season is resuming after a week-long suspension due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.

In IPL 2025, Kohli has been in exceptional form, scoring 505 runs, including seven fifties, with an impressive average of 63.12 in 11 matches. He is currently a strong contender for the Orange Cap, ranking fourth among the leading run-scorers, trailing behind Suryakumar Yadav, Sai Sudharsan, and Shubman Gill. As the tournament progresses, Kohli aims to not only secure the Orange Cap but also help Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieve their first title since the IPL's inception in 2008.