Fans fume as Virat Kohli retires from Tests at the 'wrong time'

Fans shared their disappointment after Team India star batter Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket ahead of the five-match series against England. The 36-year-old made the announcement to end his 14-year career in the longest format of the game through his Instagram account on May 12.

Virat Kohli retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket. He is behind the legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies in Jamaica. His last Test match was against Australia in January at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Virat Kohli Announces Retirement Just Days After Rohit Sharma’s Decision

Virat Kohli informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision to retire from Test cricket just before making the official announcement. Despite a senior BCCI official urging him to reconsider, Kohli stood firm in his decision.

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This news came just days after Rohit Sharma‘s retirement. Both players had a challenging 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. They returned to domestic cricket for their respective state teams in the Ranji Trophy but opted to retire from Test cricket ahead of the demanding Test series in England.

Kohli amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score was an unbeaten 254 against South Africa in 2019 at Pune’s Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium.

Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement Marks the End of an Era in Indian Cricket

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era for Indian cricket. He led the team in a record 68 Test matches, securing 40 wins and 11 draws, with only 17 losses. The veteran boasts a win percentage of 58.82%. Kohli was the captain during India’s first Test series win in Australia in 2019.

India’s middle order has been weakened ahead of the Test series against England, starting June 20. With Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired, and Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara absent, the squad is short on experience. Ravindra Jadeja will be the most capped player in the lineup.

Fans React to Virat Kohli’s Retirement from Test Cricket

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has triggered reactions across social media. Fans expressed a mix of shock and emotion at what they felt was an unexpected announcement.

A career that’s a testament to Test cricket’s spirit!
Thank You, Virat Kohli! #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/M3iUaKnbek

— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) May 12, 2025

THE LAST TEST CENTURY OF VIRAT KOHLI IN TEST CRICKET. pic.twitter.com/RLa7vEhdGp

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2025

No one can ever achieve the peak of Virat Kohli in Tests.
2016-2019 pic.twitter.com/rORlUunxZK

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 12, 2025

The numbers will say 30 centuries.

But they won’t say how he batted like a gladiator at Perth, or captained like a lion at Lord’s.

Indian Test Cricket saw it’s golden period under Virat Kohli pic.twitter.com/uh0wOD5FUz

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 12, 2025

Enjoyed his presence on the field in whites. Some of the best days as an Indian Test cricket fans. Go well, Virat Kohli. pic.twitter.com/c9qhvAlIrK

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) May 12, 2025

So the way the fate had it, Virat Kohli’s last day in Test cricket was as a captain on the field. Some things are just meant to be.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) May 12, 2025

Hate aside, Gautam Gambhir is the culprit who made Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retire from tests. He should be sacked immediately.

Both of them have done so many things for our country. pic.twitter.com/PM7K9z4wOx

— ‏ً (@Ro45Goat) May 12, 2025

VIRAT KOHLI WTF IS WRONG TO WITH U CHUTIYE

— R. (@RUseriousRNbr9) May 12, 2025

Virat Kohli retired, and must say at a really wrong time. Can’t do much, his decision’s always gonna be final..! IMO too early to retire at the age of 36. Even that fat Rahkeem Cornwall will play till 36 bro! Just heartbreaking!!

— Harsh Porwal (@itzz_harsh) May 12, 2025