Virat Kohli retires: From RCB to Gautam Gambhir, cricket fraternity pays tribute to the former Indian captain

Virat Kohli, the man who led India to three consecutive Test maces from 2017-19 and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, announced announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on Instagram.

Kohli took to social media on Monday to reveal the news.

"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," the post read.



"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. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.


"I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.


"I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.

#269, signing off.


Virat Kohli retired from Tests having scored 9230 runs from his 123 Tests, with 30 Test centuries and 31 fifties.

Following the 36-year-old's announcement, reactions have been pouring in from across the cricketing world.

Reactions to Virat Kohli's Test retirement

India coach Gautam Gambhir said he will miss Kohli.


Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned the timing of Virat Kohli's decision.


Virat's IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wrote "Test Cricket won't be the same."


Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle acknowledged Virat's contribution as a skipper and batter for India and said he should have left Test cricket before a packed stadium.


Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has posted a post wit ..


Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has congratulated Virat Kohl ..


Former India middle-order batter Suresh Raina said it is sad to see him step away from the red-ball format.