Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, closing a remarkable 14-year chapter in the red-ball format. The decision, coming just days after Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement, has left Indian cricket at a crossroads as the team prepares for a challenging England tour, starting June 20.
Kohli, who debuted against the West Indies in 2011, shared a heartfelt note on social media, reflecting on how Test cricket tested and shaped him, expressing gratitude for the game and its fans.
Virat Kohli’s wife, acclaimed actress Anushka Sharma, responded with an emotional Instagram post as the cricketer bids adieu to the Test format.
Also read: "Congrats On An Epic Test Career" - Cricketing Universe Salutes Virat Kohli After Test Retirement
Anushka Sharma Celebrates Virat Kohli’s Test Cricket Legacy
Hours after Kohli announced his Test retirement on Instagram, Anushka took to social media and penned an emotional tribute to celebrate her husband's Test legacy. She talked about Kohli's love for the format and that he has earned every bit of this goodbye.
"They'll talk about the records and the milestones - but I'll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler - and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege," Anushka wrote on Instagram.
"Somehow, I always imagined you'd retire from international cricket in whites - But you've always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you've earned every bit of this goodbye," she added.
Anushka’s words painted a vivid picture of Kohli’s journey, noting his evolution through triumphs and setbacks. Anushka’s support for Kohli has been a constant through his career highs and lows. From cheering in the stands during his match-winning century against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy to her viral reactions to his dismissals, she has been his most visible pillar.
Virat Kohli’s Test Career by the Numbers
Kohli’s Test career spanned 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He scored seven double-hundreds, 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a highest score of 254*.
As captain in 68 Tests, he led India to 40 victories, including a historic series win in Australia in 2018-19. He is India's most successful Test captain.
Also read: Virat Kohli Captaincy Record in Tests, ODIs & T20Is
