Virat Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a defining chapter in Indian cricket. The official announcement was made on May 12, 2025. However, sources suggest that Kohli had informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision well in advance.
The BCCI and selectors reportedly tried to convince him to reconsider. They emphasized his importance to the team during this transitional phase. Despite their efforts, Kohli remained firm in his decision, stating that it was time to bring this phase of his career to a close.
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Several factors contributed to his decision. Kohli’s Test form had declined in recent years. His average, once above 54, had dropped to 46.85. He scored only two centuries since 2020. At 36, the physical and mental demands of the format had begun to take a toll.
Test cricket requires immense endurance, and years of international play, combined with past leadership duties, likely led to fatigue. The birth of his second child also played a key role. Kohli expressed a desire to spend more time with his growing family.
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Kohli’s relationship with the BCCI has been under scrutiny in recent years. His sudden resignation as Test captain in 2022, after India’s series loss in South Africa, reportedly surprised the board.
Former chief selector Chetan Sharma suggested that the decision was influenced by personal tensions with then-BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. These tensions hinted at an “ego clash” and added complexity to the discussions surrounding Kohli’s retirement.
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His retirement comes at a time when Indian cricket is undergoing a leadership overhaul. With Rohit Sharma also stepping down from Test cricket, the team now lacks experienced seniors.
Emerging players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal will now be expected to step up. While both have shown potential, replacing Kohli’s passion, consistency, and aggression will be no easy task.
Over his 14-year Test career, Kohli played 123 matches, scoring 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As captain, he led India to landmark victories, including a historic series win in Australia.
His approach to fitness, aggression, and commitment to red-ball cricket redefined India’s outlook in the longest format.
Kohli’s retirement closes a glorious chapter but opens the door for a new era. Fans will miss watching him in whites, but his legacy will continue to inspire the next generation.
His decision also highlights the evolving priorities of modern athletes, balancing professional demands with personal well-being.
