Virat Kohli’s Emotional Goodbye to Test Cricket
May 12th, 2025 a date that will be remembered by Indian cricket fans for years. At around 10:50 AM, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, announcing his retirement from Test cricket bringing an end to a remarkable 14 year journey in the game’s purest format.
Kohli’s message was full of emotion, gratitude, and reflection. He spoke of the quiet grind, the long days, and the unseen moments that define life in whites a reminder that for him, Test cricket wasn’t just a format; it was a way of life.
“It’s not easy but it feels right,” Kohli wrote. “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.”
“#269, signing off. In ❤️”
A Journey That Shaped a Generation
Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and went on to play 123 matches, scoring over 9000 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He led India with unmatched aggression and pride, taking the team to historic wins overseas and redefining the team’s mindset.
His famous line, “Let’s give them 60 overs of hell,” captures the fire he brought to every match. Kohli wasn’t just a captain he was a warrior on the field.
A Legacy Beyond Numbers
While he retires just 770 runs short of the 10,000 mark, Kohli’s Test career will never be judged by stats alone. He inspired belief, brought intensity to every game, and made fans fall in love with red-ball cricket again.
He also thanked his teammates, fans, and everyone who made him feel seen and supported during his journey.
“It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote.
Though Kohli’s red-ball chapter is closed, his impact on Indian cricket will live on. His leadership, passion, and presence will continue to shape the next generation of cricketers and he’ll forever be remembered as one of the greatest to wear the whites
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