Virat Kohli officially breaks 1.4 billion hearts with retirement announcement

Cricket superstar Virat Kohli has confirmed the news no Indian fan wanted to hear in the latest blow to rock the cricketing powerhouse.

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has officially confirmed his retirement from Test cricket in a move that breaks 1.4 billion hearts.

News of Kohli’s decision to walk away came to light on Saturday, but it wasn’t until Monday when the 36-year-old made it official.

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Kohli took to Instagram to confirm he was “walking away” from the arena after 123 Test matches the yielded 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.

His stellar career in Test cricket saw him compile 30 centuries along with 31 half-centuries.

“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,” Kohli wrote.

“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.

“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.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Virat Kohli of India blows a kiss to the crowd during day one of the Men's Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 26, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Kohli’s decision comes ahead of India’s five-match tour of England with Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) officials asking the superstar to remain with the team through to the end of the series.

A huge hole was left in the Indian cricket team this week with former captain Rohit Sharma announcing his retirement from red ball cricket.

It’s why Kohli’s inclusion as a senior figure in the dressing room is viewed as vital by senior BCCI figures.

Kohli has been the rock at the centre of India’s middle order for most of his career — and losing Sharma and Kohli at the same time is a major gut punch to the cricketing powerhouse.

The immediate departures of Sharma and Kohli add another layer of intrigue to the widespread reports of disharmony within the Indian dressing room during the team’s tour of Australia this summer.

Kohli is walking away. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

It was reported before the SCG Test “fractures” had emerged within the Indian camp.

Despite the reported tension between senior players and the emerging talents recently selected, Kohli’s presence would seemingly be the best method of ironing out the issues the team is facing.

The Indian Express reports Kohli is expected to ignore the final request from the BCCI.

“He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request,” sources told the newspaper.

The publication reports Kohli has been considering retirement from Test cricket since Australia’s series victory in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Kohli last year announced his retirement from international Twenty20 cricket, and his aspirations to play domestic cricket remain unknown.

Indian chiefs are expected to announce the squad for the series against England this week.

Originally published as Virat Kohli officially breaks 1.4 billion hearts with retirement announcement