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In a moment that stunned the cricketing world, Virat Kohli, the legendary Indian batter and former Test captain, officially announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Virat Kohli announces shock retirement from Test cricket
Kohli exits the format with a glittering record: 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, at a stellar average of 46.85, including 30 centuries, a legacy etched in both numbers and memory. Kohli’s tenure wasn’t just about runs. It was about a mindset, a relentless, expressive, and aggressive pursuit of excellence in red-ball cricket, during an era when T20s and franchise leagues surged in popularity. Under his leadership, India not only rose to No. 1 in Test rankings but also conquered the Final Frontiers with historic wins in Australia and competitive performances abroad. Despite stepping away from Tests, Kohli will continue representing India in ODIs, allowing him to shift his focus partially towards family and personal pursuits. His decision marked not just the end of an era, especially with Rohit Sharma also retiring from Tests last week, but it also invited tributes from across the cricketing world, including from the women’s cricket fraternity.
Jhulan Goswami’s powerful message that captures Kohli’s Test presence
India’s greatest women’s fast bowler, Jhulan Goswami, who holds the record for the most wickets in Women’s ODI history, shared a powerful message that captured the essence of Kohli’s Test presence:
“There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer. And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead,” Jhulan wrote.
There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025
Goswami’s words resonated with those who saw Kohli not just as a batter but as a symbol of fight and fire, someone who redefined what it meant to play Test cricket in the 21st century.
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Isa Guha on Kohli’s global impact in whites
Former England cricketer and World Cup winner Isa Guha, known for her articulate commentary and deep love for the game, echoed the sentiment with a heartfelt tribute on social media:
“Never again in whites. End of an era. Test cricket thanks you, Virat. We thank you. 🙏 #KingKohli”
Her tribute served as a poignant reminder of Kohli’s global impact, transcending borders, inspiring both men and women who play the game.
Kohli’s influence reached far beyond the boundary ropes. He wasn’t just a run-machine; he was a catalyst — a leader who brought fitness, attitude, and flair into the core of India’s Test setup. His legacy is now being honoured not only by his teammates and fans, but by some of the greatest women cricketers of our generation.
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
