Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on May 12, 2025
‘End of a glorious era’: Fans pay tribute as Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post on social media on Monday to announce his retirement from the Tests.
Virat Kohli took over the role of India’s Test captain in 2014, succeeding MS Dhoni (Image source: @viratkohli/Instagram)
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect, just weeks before India’s upcoming five-match series against England in June. Taking to Instagram on Monday, the 36-year-old veteran reflected on his 14-year journey.
In a heartfelt goodbye 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.”
“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,” he added.
Tributes poured in soon after Kohli announced his retirement from the Tests. Cricket enthusiasts gathered to share emotional posts, with a user saying, “End of a Glorious Era. Virat Kohli bids adieu to red ball cricket after a long run of wins, losses and lessonsus Era. Ro-Ko moment.”
See here:
End of a Glorious Era 💔
Virat Kohli bids adieu to red ball cricket after a long run of wins, losses and lessonsus Era 💔
Ro-Ko moment #ViratKohli #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/Vl71Sx9IIv
— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) May 12, 2025
“Thank you Kohli for the unforgettable Test memories. You’ve been the best test cricket captain, we ever had (up for debate against the world),” another user commented.
Thank you Kohli for the unforgettable Test memories. You’ve been the best test cricket captain, we ever had (up for debate against the world). #TestCricket | #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/v1qEUFYkMg
— Xavier Uncle (@xavierunclelite) May 12, 2025
“Pure passion. Pure class. A true legend of the game.End of an era. Thank you, Virat Kohli,” a third user reacted.
Pure passion. Pure class.
A true legend of the game.
End of an era.Thank you, Virat Kohli
#ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/HCvYqPHKfG
— Nikhil saini (@iNikhilsaini) May 12, 2025
He Revolutionized Test Cricket & left like a Legend
King Virat Kohli, u will be missed 🥺🫡#ViratKohli #ViratKohliretirement
— 𝗩eena Jain (@DrJain21) May 12, 2025
Test cricket won’t be the same again 💔#ViratKohli ! pic.twitter.com/Sc0CRg9drT
— narsa. (@rathor7_) May 12, 2025
No Virat Kohli fan will pass without liking This tweet 🥹🥹
End of Era for Test Cricket 💔💔💔 Thank you Virat Kohli 💖#TestCricket | #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/9SJYfc4qph
— Rebal Relangi (@RebalRelang) May 12, 2025
What a heartbreaking moment.🥹
Thank you, Virat my idol, my inspiration, and the reason I fell in love with Test Cricket. You brought unmatched passion and pride to the game. You are the GOAT. You’ll always be my captain. Your legacy in whites will live forever. #ViratKohli #Goat pic.twitter.com/mPX3iqqnqI— Ganesh Vanare (@haram_khor_) May 12, 2025
Ppl will always Miss this type of “POETRY IN MOTION”#thankyoukohli #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/fiv9I84HDY
— Anand Pratap Singh (@anandtwts24) May 12, 2025
I started watching test cricket because of you. There’s no test cricket for me without you 💔 #ViratKohli pic.twitter.com/uFEvNt4pIr
— Puja 🥂 (@winnie_the_puja) May 12, 2025
Then whenever India go to sena countries result would be 3/1 lose 4/4 washout this man Virat Kohli take india test team to next level by winning Sena countries
From No 7-No1 END OF AN ERA 💔
No one can match #ViratKohli ‘s aura in Test Cricket 👑
pic.twitter.com/sMjJW08c26— Sekar 𝕏 (@itzSekar) May 12, 2025
Kohli steps away from the red-ball game as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. His Test debut came in June 2011 in Jamaica against the West Indies, just two months after he played a key role in India’s triumphant 2011 ODI World Cup campaign.
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He took over the role of India’s Test captain in 2014, succeeding MS Dhoni, and went on to enjoy a highly successful eight-year stint. Under his leadership, India played 68 Tests and secured 40 victories, the most by any Indian captain in history. Only Graeme Smith of South Africa (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41), of Australia, have recorded more Test wins as captain, placing Kohli among the top players in the format’s history.
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