By The Sampadak Express
In a significant moment for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. The former India captain shared an emotional message on Instagram early Monday, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.“
It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote.
Reflecting on the deep personal connection he shares with the red-ball game, Kohli added, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy but it feels right.”
Kohli, who debuted in 2011 and earned 269 Test caps, emphasized his gratitude towards the game, his teammates, and the fans. “I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for… I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
He concluded the post with a heartfelt sign-off: “#269, signing off.”
Kohli’s retirement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma also announced his exit from Test cricket, signaling a significant shift in the Indian Test setup.
