Virat Kohli Retirement from Test Cricket Ahead of England Series
Virat Kohli retirement from Test cricket is now a serious possibility. The star batter has reportedly informed the BCCI about his wish to step away from the format. This comes ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, starting June 20.
Kohli Communicates Test Exit Plan to BCCI
Kohli has been discussing his Test retirement with board officials for over a month. His career includes 123 Tests and 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. If he retires, it will mark the end of one of India’s most iconic Test careers.
The last two years have seen a dip in his red-ball form. He scored a century in Perth in November 2024, but before that, his last came in July 2023. His average over the past 24 months has fallen to 32.56, a significant drop from his prime.
End of an era? 💔
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) May 10, 2025
Virat Kohli has reportedly told the BCCI he wants to retire from Test cricket.
The board has urged him to reconsider.
Fans aren’t ready for this goodbye. 🇮🇳#ViratKohli #TestCricket #ForeverInBlue 📸: Getty pic.twitter.com/ituEjcNggO
India May Still Need His Test Experience
Despite his recent form, team management considers Kohli important. His leadership and experience may help guide India during the transition. With Shubman Gill expected to become the new Test captain, Kohli’s presence could offer vital support.
Kohli and Rohit Sharma remain in the A+ BCCI contract tier. Both players had already retired from T20Is after India’s 2024 World Cup win. Should Kohli retire from Tests, they will only be active in ODI cricket.
Kohli’s Legacy as a Test Cricketer
As India’s most successful Test captain, Virat Kohli retirement would close an era. He led India to 40 Test wins, placing him fourth on the all-time captain wins list. Only Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh rank above him.
His best Test performance came in 2018 in England, where he scored 583 runs at an average of 59.30. That year, he also finished with 1322 runs — the highest in a calendar year during his career.
