Virat Kohli retires: From RCB to Gautam Gambhir, cricket fraternity pays tribute to the former Indian captain

Virat Kohli, the man who led India to three consecutive Test maces from 2017-19 and the final of the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021, announced announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on Instagram.

Kohli took to social media on Monday to reveal the news.

"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," the post read.


"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.

#269, signing off.


Virat Kohli retired from Tests having scored 9230 runs from his 123 Tests, with 30 Test centuries and 31 fifties.

Following the 36-year-old's announcement, reactions have been pouring in from across the cricketing world.

Reactions to Virat Kohli's Test retirement
India coach Gautam Gambhir said he will miss Kohli.

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

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned the timing of Virat Kohli's decision.

Why Retired ? @imVkohli

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025

Virat's IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wrote "Test Cricket won't be the same."

Thank You, Virat. #269 👑

Test Cricket will never be the same again! 🥺 pic.twitter.com/7eAYipnzp1

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 12, 2025

Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle acknowledged Virat's contribution as a skipper and batter for India and said he should have left Test cricket before a packed stadium.

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

Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has posted a post wit ..

Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 12, 2025

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan has congratulated Virat Kohl ..

Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.#ThankYouVirat pic.twitter.com/rvFAulcMSQ

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025

Former India middle-order batter Suresh Raina said it is sad to see him step away from the red-ball format.

Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli

Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025