Kohli Announces Retirement from Test Cricket on May 12, 2025
In a major development that has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The decision comes ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England starting from June 20, 2025, which will mark the beginning of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly played a pivotal role in this decision, not by urging the veteran cricketer to stay, but by making it clear that he was no longer part of the Test team’s future plans.
BCCI’s Bold Message to Kohli: “You Don’t Fit in the Test Team Anymore”
Contrary to what many fans would expect, the BCCI did not request Kohli to continue playing Test cricket. According to a report by Dainik Jagran, BCCI officials clearly told the 36-year-old former captain that he does not fit into India’s Test squad anymore.
Statement from BCCI Source
“The BCCI does not request anyone. A player’s decision is his personal choice. We don’t interfere in it,” a BCCI source told Dainik Jagran.
This firm stand by the cricket board reflects a new direction for Indian Test cricket, as the team prepares to rebuild under a younger core.
Key Highlights of Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement and BCCI’s Stance
- Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025, at the age of 36.
- BCCI reportedly told Kohli he no longer fits in the Test team.
- Similar message was also given to Rohit Sharma during a meeting on May 7, 2025, in Mumbai.
- BCCI emphasized that player retirement is a personal decision, and they do not influence it.
- Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.
The End of an Era: Virat Kohli’s Test Career in Numbers
Virat Kohli leaves behind a remarkable Test career that helped redefine Indian cricket’s modern era.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career Stats (as of May 2025):
- Matches Played: 113
- Runs Scored: 8,848
- Centuries: 29
- Fifties: 30
- Highest Score: 254*
- Average: 49.32
- Test Captaincy Wins: 40 (Most by an Indian captain)
Kohli was known for his aggressive approach, fearless attitude, and match-winning knocks in overseas conditions. His leadership played a crucial role in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and dominance at home for nearly a decade.
What Led to BCCI’s Tough Decision on Kohli and Rohit Sharma?
As per reports, the BCCI is now focused on building a team for the 2025–2027 WTC cycle with an emphasis on youth and long-term sustainability.
This transition means giving opportunities to emerging players who are performing well in domestic and A-level cricket.
Reported Factors Behind BCCI’s Move:
- Age factor: Both Kohli (36) and Rohit Sharma (38) are nearing the twilight of their careers.
- Dip in form: Kohli hasn’t scored a Test century in the last 18 months.
- Fitness & workload: Managing workload has become a priority, especially with the upcoming ICC events.
- Transition planning: The board aims to build a team that can dominate world cricket over the next 5-7 years.
Fans Divided: Mixed Reactions to Kohli’s Test Retirement
The cricketing fraternity and fans are divided over the BCCI’s approach. While some appreciate the forward-looking vision, others feel Kohli still had a few years of red-ball cricket left in him.
Public and Cricket Experts React:
- Sunil Gavaskar: “You don’t discard legends. This could’ve been handled better.”
- Sanjay Manjrekar: “Time to look ahead. Emotional decisions can’t drive team selection.”
- Fans on social media: Trending hashtags like #ThankYouKohli and #LegendExit highlight the emotional connect fans still have with the iconic batsman.
What’s Next for Virat Kohli After Test Retirement?
While Kohli has bid goodbye to Test cricket, he is still expected to continue playing white-ball formats, including ODIs and T20Is, if selected.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 and T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, his experience could still be vital in shorter formats.
Possible Future Roles for Kohli:
- Focus on T20 and ODI cricket
- Mentorship roles in Indian team setup
- IPL leadership with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
- Potential coaching or commentary in future
India’s Future in Test Cricket: A New Era Begins
With stalwarts like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping aside, the Indian Test team is set to enter a new phase.
Youngsters Likely to Lead the Charge:
- Shubman Gill
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Ruturaj Gaikwad
- Rajat Patidar
- Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna in bowling
This transition could define India’s Test dominance in the coming years, especially as they aim to win the World Test Championship title after missing out twice in 2021 and 2023.
Conclusion: Virat Kohli’s Exit Marks a New Dawn for Indian Test Cricket
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket is not just a personal decision—it marks a generational shift in Indian cricket.
While fans will miss his presence in whites, the future of Indian Test cricket now rests in the hands of a new, dynamic core of players ready to carry forward the legacy.
As Indian cricket transitions into this new chapter, one thing remains certain — Kohli’s impact on Indian Test cricket will never be forgotten.
