Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12.
The 36-year-old took to social media to confirm his decision to quit the traditional format. In an 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.
“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.”
Virat Kohli further stated that the decision to call it quits wasn't an easy one, but it felt 'right' to him.
"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," he concluded.
Tributes poured in for Kohli after he hanged up his boots from Test cricket. Virat’s elder brother Vikas Kohli also penned an emotional note via social media.
Vikas posted a couple of Instagram story. In the first one, he just shared Virat's retirement post and quoted: "Always proud."
He concluded by saying: "Always proud of you bhai."
Kohli finished his Test career with 9230 runs from at an average of 46.85 from 123 matches, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254. Having retired from T20Is last year, the talisman will now focus solely on the ODI format.