On May 12, 2025, Indian cricket fans woke up to a seismic shift in the sport’s landscape: Virat Kohli, one of the most iconic figures in modern cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The decision, shared via a heartfelt Instagram post, marked the end of a 14-year journey that saw him evolve from a brash young talent to India’s most successful Test captain and a global ambassador for the game’s longest format. At 36, Kohli’s choice to step away from Tests, just days after teammate Rohit Sharma’s similar announcement, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. In a recent public appearance on July 9, 2025, Kohli finally opened up about the reasons behind his sudden exit, offering insights into his mindset and the factors that led to his decision. His explanation, encapsulated in the phrase “You just know,” sheds light on the emotional and practical considerations that shaped one of the most significant moments in recent cricket history.
A Glittering Career in Whites
Kohli’s Test career began in 2011 against the West Indies in Kingston, where he made a modest debut, scoring 4 and 15. It was a quiet start for a player who would later redefine Indian cricket. Over 123 Tests, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score, an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in Pune in 2019, remains a testament to his ability to dominate attacks in home conditions. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 victories—a record unmatched by any other Indian captain. His leadership transformed India into a formidable force, culminating in historic achievements like the first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018-19.
Kohli’s influence extended beyond numbers. He brought an aggressive edge to Indian cricket, emphasizing fitness, discipline, and an unyielding will to win. Under his captaincy, India topped the ICC Test rankings and became a team that could compete—and win—on any soil. His passion for Test cricket, at a time when T20 leagues were luring players away from the format, made him a torchbearer for the game’s traditional values. As BCCI president Roger Binny noted, “What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game.”
The Decision to Retire
Kohli’s retirement announcement came ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, starting June 20, 2025. The timing was surprising, as many expected him to play a pivotal role in the tour, especially after his century in the first Test against Australia in November 2024. However, his form had been inconsistent in recent years. Since January 2020, he averaged just 30.72 in 39 Tests, with only three centuries. His final series, the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, saw him score 190 runs in nine innings, with a single century in Perth. This dip in form, coupled with the mental and physical toll of a demanding career, played a significant role in his decision.
In his Instagram post, Kohli wrote, “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. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy—but it feels right.” He signed off with “#269 signing off,” a nod to his cap number as the 269th player to represent India in Tests. The post, shared with his 271 million Instagram followers, was both a farewell and a reflection on a career that had given him “so much more than I could’ve hoped for.”
‘You Just Know’: Virat Kohli’s Explanation
On July 9, 2025, Kohli spoke publicly about his retirement for the first time since the announcement, during an event covered by multiple outlets. Addressing the question of why he chose to retire at 36, when he was still seen as a vital cog in India’s Test setup, he offered a candid and introspective response: “You just know when it’s time. When you’re coloring your beard every four days, and you’re feeling the weight of the grind, you realize you’ve given everything you had. I didn’t want to shortchange the game or my teammates by going on when I wasn’t fully in it.” This statement, reported by CNN News18 and others, highlighted the physical and mental exhaustion that comes with sustaining peak performance in Test cricket.
Kohli’s reference to coloring his beard was a lighthearted yet telling comment on the toll of aging in a sport that demands relentless focus and fitness. At 36, he was no longer the fiery youngster who burst onto the scene but a veteran who had carried the weight of expectations for over a decade. His comments echoed sentiments he shared at a Royal Challengers Bengaluru summit, where he discussed the mental pressures of recent Test failures: “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside, you start burdening yourself way more… And you start getting more desperate.” This introspection suggested that Kohli was acutely aware of his limitations and unwilling to compromise his legacy by continuing in a format where he felt he could no longer give his all.
The Role of Family and Personal Priorities
Another key factor in Kohli’s decision was his desire to spend more time with his family. Married to Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma and a father to two young children, Kohli has increasingly prioritized his personal life. Reports from The Indian Express noted that he had been contemplating his Test future since the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in December 2024, and his second home in the UK offered a chance to step away from the relentless scrutiny of Indian cricket. This shift in priorities was evident in his decision to retire from T20 internationals in 2024 after India’s World Cup win, signaling a gradual move toward a less demanding career focused on ODIs.
Kohli’s family-oriented mindset resonated with fans, who saw a softer side to the aggressive competitor. His former coach, Ravi Shastri, commented on this aspect, saying, “He’s done everything. He’s captained sides, he’s won World Cups… There’s nothing for him to achieve.” Shastri’s remarks underscored the idea that Kohli’s decision was not driven by a lack of ambition but by a sense of fulfillment and a desire to embrace the next chapter of his life.
The BCCI’s Role and Controversies
The lead-up to Kohli’s retirement was not without controversy. Initial reports suggested that the BCCI had urged him to reconsider, given the upcoming England tour and the inexperience of India’s middle order without him and Rohit Sharma. However, a report by The Dainik Jagran claimed the opposite—that the BCCI had told Kohli he no longer warranted a spot in the Test team due to his poor form. This conflicting narrative sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some, like former cricketer Manoj Tiwary, speculating that Kohli’s decision might have been a “brain fade” or a knee-jerk reaction to external pressures. Tiwary even suggested that Kohli, just 670 runs short of 10,000 Test runs, could have played a farewell Test to reach the milestone.
Regardless of the BCCI’s stance, Kohli’s decision appeared final. His clarity, as he described in conversations with Rahul Dravid, came from an honest assessment of his energy levels and commitment. “I’m going to be honest with myself. Where do I want to go? What are my energy levels like?” he had said, reflecting a maturity that prioritized the team’s future over personal milestones.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
Kohli’s retirement leaves a void in Indian Test cricket, not just in terms of runs but in spirit and stature. His ability to inspire a generation was evident in tributes from cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, who praised Kohli’s “thoughtful gesture” during his own retirement in 2013 and lauded his role in inspiring young cricketers. Michael Vaughan, former England captain, called him the greatest ambassador for Test cricket, while Ravi Shastri described him as a “modern-day giant.”
Kohli’s legacy is multifaceted. He redefined Indian cricket’s approach to fitness and aggression, turning a historically defensive team into a dominant force. His 2018 England tour, where he scored 593 runs at an average of 59.30, silenced critics who doubted his overseas prowess after a disastrous 2014 tour. His seven double centuries, the most by an Indian, showcased his ability to bat for long periods, while his fielding—highlighted by a memorable run-out of Joe Root at Edgbaston—added flair to his leadership.
The Road Ahead for India
With Kohli and Sharma gone, India faces a transitional phase as they embark on the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Shubman Gill, the frontrunner to replace Sharma as captain, will lead a relatively inexperienced middle order alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant. Emerging talents like B Sai Sudharsan may get a chance to fill the void, but replacing Kohli’s intensity and aura will be a tall order.
Kohli, meanwhile, is expected to continue playing ODIs, with the 2027 World Cup in South Africa as a potential final hurrah. His recent IPL performances, where he scored 505 runs at a strike rate of 143.46, suggest he remains a force in shorter formats. However, for fans, the absence of Kohli in whites will take time to sink in. As he put it, “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.” Those moments, etched in cricketing folklore, ensure that Kohli’s Test legacy will endure.
