India’s Test cricket team may soon witness the departure of another modern legend, as reports suggest that Virat Kohli is preparing to retire from Test cricket following the upcoming five-match series against England starting June 20. The news comes just days after Rohit Sharma announced his own retirement from the longest format, signaling a major transition phase for Indian cricket.
According to ESPNCricinfo, Kohli has already informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intention to step away after the England series. If confirmed, this would bring an end to a stellar 14-year Test career, during which Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.
While limited-overs formats have always suited Kohli more, he became the backbone of India’s Test batting lineup since debuting in 2011. His leadership was equally influential—under his captaincy, India won 40 out of 68 Tests, making him the country’s most successful Test captain and placing him fourth globally behind Graeme Smith, Ricky Ponting, and Steve Waugh.
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Kohli’s recent Test form has, however, been inconsistent. After his career-best 254* in 2019, his average dipped, and he managed just one century in the past year—scored in Perth in 2024. Despite this, his presence remains crucial as India navigates a generational shift, especially with veterans like R. Ashwin and Rohit stepping away.
The BCCI is reportedly urging Kohli to reconsider, stressing his value to the team. Whether or not he reverses course, Kohli’s exit would mark the end of an era and pose a leadership vacuum in India’s Test setup.
Virat Kohli’s Test Cricket Stats (Batting and Fielding)
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 123 | 210 | 13 | 9230 | 254* | 46.85 | 16608 | 55.57 | 30 | 31 | 1027 | 30 | 121 | 0 |
