After bidding farewell to T20 internationals following India’s T20 World Cup triumph, Virat Kohli has now stunned the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. While his exit from the shortest format was anticipated, his decision to step away from the red-ball game came as a surprise to many — including his wife, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma.
Anushka Sharma, who has often been seen supporting Kohli through thick and thin, expressed her surprise and admiration in a heartfelt Instagram post. She revealed that even she had expected him to retire from ODI cricket before Test matches.
“Everyone will talk about your stats and milestones, but I will remember the tears you never showed anyone, the unseen struggles, and your deep love for Test cricket,” she wrote. “After every Test series, I saw a different version of you return — wiser, more humble, and always evolving.”
She concluded with emotional praise: “Though I always thought you’d retire from white-ball cricket first, you listened to your heart. And my love, you’ve earned this farewell with all your heart.”
According to Indian media reports, Kohli’s decision may have been influenced by internal dynamics within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). There are unconfirmed claims that the BCCI labeled him as “unfit” for the red-ball format, a designation that may have accelerated his decision.
Some also speculate that past friction with former teammate and current cricket administrator Gautam Gambhir might have played a role. While nothing official has been stated on this, it adds a layer of intrigue to Kohli’s abrupt announcement.
Interestingly, the BCCI delayed releasing its central contract list by five months, reportedly waiting for clarity on the future plans of key players like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This indicates that the board was not entirely unaware of potential changes in the senior team roster, but perhaps did not anticipate Kohli choosing to retire from Tests before ODIs.
Virat Kohli leaves behind a monumental legacy in Test cricket. In a career spanning 14 years, he played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average that cements his place among the game’s elite. His record includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, and his contributions have often been the backbone of India’s performances in the longer format.
His fierce competitiveness, dedication, and unrelenting passion for Test cricket earned him not just accolades, but also the respect of fans and critics alike.
With Kohli stepping down, Indian cricket finds itself at the end of a significant chapter. Known for bringing aggression and fitness to the forefront, Kohli transformed India’s Test team into a dominant force both at home and abroad.
While fans will continue to see him in ODIs (for now), his absence from the white flannels will be deeply felt — not just in India, but around the cricketing world.
Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket marks the end of an era. For over a decade, he led by example, wearing his heart on his sleeve and giving everything on the field. His departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill. But as he continues to play in other formats — at least for now — fans can still expect glimpses of the brilliance that defined his career.
Whether driven by politics, fitness concerns, or sheer emotion, Kohli’s retirement is a reminder of the immense mental and physical demands of Test cricket — and of the greatness that only a few, like him, can truly achieve.
