Context:

Virat Kohli, a prominent figure in Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, leaving behind a significant legacy as India's most successful Test captain. His decision, shared on social media, reflects his personal journey and gratitude towards the game and his teammates. Kohli's retirement evoked emotional reactions from cricket legends and teammates, who praised his passion, leadership, and impact on Test cricket. While Kohli did not achieve certain statistical milestones, his influence on the game's oldest format and his inspirational leadership were widely acknowledged. Tributes highlighted Kohli's role in making Test cricket aspirational and his enduring legacy that future generations are encouraged to uphold.

Dive Deeper:

• Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket was announced on May 12, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable career as India's most successful Test captain, celebrated for his leadership and numerous records.

• Kohli's heartfelt social media post reflected on his 14-year journey in Test cricket, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the deep personal connection he felt with the format.

• Reactions from cricketing legends and teammates were overwhelmingly emotional, with many highlighting Kohli's passionate approach to the game and his influential role as a leader and ambassador for Test cricket.

• Despite not reaching the 10,000-run milestone or maintaining an average over 50, Kohli's legacy is defined by his inspirational leadership, which made Test cricket appealing to a new generation of players and fans.

• Tributes, such as those from Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri, emphasized Kohli's impact on the sport, his dedication to the game's purest form, and how he set a standard for future cricketers to emulate.

• Kohli's retirement came without a farewell match, similar to other Indian cricket greats, but his influence and the respect he garnered from peers and fans alike remain profound and enduring.

• Figures like Michael Vaughan and Jay Shah praised Kohli's energy and commitment to Test cricket, urging upcoming Indian players to carry forward his legacy of passion and dedication to the format.

• Indian superstar batter Virat Kohli has called an end to his illustrious Test career, confirmed his retirement on Monday, May 12, 2025. 

• While Kohli may not walk away from Tests with 10,000 runs or an average over 50, he has left a legacy as the most successful Test captain in Indian history, and plenty of records to his name.

• Reports had earlier emerged of his desire to quit Test cricket after Rohit Sharma's retirement, however, the Indian legend has now confirmed his decision on social media.

• MORE: Who will be India's next Virat Kohli? Listing 3 batsmen who could be the next 'King'

• Kohli shared on Instagram: "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."
  
  "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."

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  "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 concluded

• Here's how legends and India teammates from the cricket world reacted to Kohli's retirement in red-ball cricket.

• Check: How will India line up without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli? India probable XI for 1st Test against England

• Cricket world reacts to Virat Kohli's Test retirement: Tributes and opinions

  Gautam Gambhir

  Indian head coach, Kohli's former India and Delhi teammate, Gambhir shared his tribute, calling him a "Man with a lion's passion".

• While two of India's aggressive players have had their fiery moments on the field, Gambhir ended his post with an emotional "Miss You".

• A man with lion’s passion!
  Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6

• — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025

  Ravi Shastri

  The captain-coach duo of Kohli and Shastri were instrumental in some of India's best years in Test cricket.

• The former head coach shared an emotional farewell message, calling Kohli a "fantastic ambassador" or red-ball cricket and thanking him for the wonderful memories.

• Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx

• — Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025

  Sanjay Manjrekar

  Manjrekar hails Kohli as the biggest brand of the modern era and remarks that Test cricket owes him a debut.

• Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli. 🙏🙏🙏

• — Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 12, 2025

  Sachin Tendulkar

  Kohli's idol, Tendulkar, shared his tribute for the cricketer by recalling a gesture from 12 years ago during his farewell Test.

• A 24-year-old Kohli had gifted Tendulkar a sacred thread from his late father, showcasing the influence of the Master Blaster in his life.

• As you retire from Tests, I'm reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ

• — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025

  Harbhajan Singh

  The former Indian off-spinner had just two words in reaction to Kohli's retirement. Like many others, he has been left shocked by the Indian No. 4's retirement decision.

• Why Retired ? @imVkohli

• — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

  Harsha Bhogle

  Like his predecessor, MS Dhoni,and teammate Rohit Sharma, Kohli leaves Test cricket without a farewell match.

• I would have liked to see #ViratKohli go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.

• — Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 12, 2025

  AB de Villiers

  South African legend ABD bids farewell to his RCB teammates' decision to end his red-ball career, calling him a 'True Legend'

• Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI

• — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025

  Yashasvi Jaiswal

  One of the future superstars of Indian cricket, Jaiswal, posted his tribute to Kohli, a batter whom he grew up watching.

• He cherished the opportunity of getting to bat alongside him, sharing a picture from one of their partnerships.

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  A post shared by Yashasvi Jaiswal (@yashasvijaiswal28)