Virat Kohli has officially called time on his Test cricket career, ending a remarkable 14-year chapter that helped define modern Indian cricket. The former captain took to Instagram on Monday morning to share an emotional note along with a photo of himself in whites, reflecting on the format that shaped him.?
¡°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,¡± Kohli wrote. ¡°It¡¯s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I¡¯ll carry for life.¡±
Kohli, known for his fiery passion and fierce commitment in red-ball cricket, admitted that stepping away wasn¡¯t easy but felt right.
¡°There¡¯s something deeply personal about playing in whites,¡± he said, describing the long hours, quiet grind, and unseen moments that made the experience special.
¡°I¡¯ve given it everything I had, and it¡¯s given me back so much more than I could¡¯ve hoped for,¡± he continued. ¡°I¡¯m walking away with a heart full of gratitude ¡ª for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.¡±
Kohli ended his post with a nod to his cap number: ¡°#269, signing off.¡±
The announcement comes just days after Rohit Sharma also revealed his decision to retire from Test cricket, signaling a significant generational shift in Indian cricket. Together, Kohli and Rohit were key figures in India's batting order and leadership setup. After their exit, Shubman Gill is expected to lead the next generation for India in whites.?