Kohli announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on May 12.
The reports of Kohli communicating his intent to retire from Tests to the BCCI emerged a few days ago, sending shockwaves across the cricketing fraternity. While it was reported that the board is trying to persuade Kohli to change his mind, the outcome was unsuccessful.
The 36-year-old took to social media to confirm his decision to quit Test cricket. 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 also said that the decision to hang up his boots from Tests 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.
Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played an instrumental role in India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade with his aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity on the field.
Kohli led his country in 68 Test matches and suffered defeat in only 17 of them. With 40 wins and 11 draws, he boasts a remarkable win percentage of 58.82, making him the most successful Test captain in India's history.
Kohli finished his Test career with 9230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, 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.
Team India members paid heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli and congratulated him on an outstanding Test career.
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