Virat Kohli Retirement: Why did Virat Kohli suddenly retire from Test cricket after T20?

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli bid farewell to Test cricket on 12 May 2025. Over a span of 14 years, the 36-year-old amassed 9230 runs in 123 matches for India, maintaining an impressive average of 46.85, which featured 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Differences with the BCCI are believed to be an important reason behind Virat Kohli's retirement from Tests. According to reports, after Rohit Sharma's retirement, the BCCI had approached him for the captaincy of the team for the England tour, but he turned it down. This clearly shows that the uncertainty regarding captaincy and differences with the BCCI influenced Virat Kohli's decision.

Decline in form and mental exhaustion

Virat Kohli's Test career has seen a drop in form in recent years. Last year, he scored 417 runs in 10 Tests at an average of just 24.52. Virat Kohli's batting averages were 19.33 in 2020, 28.21 in 2021, and 26.50 in 2022, reflecting an inconsistent run. Despite a strong year in 2023 with an average over 50, his form slumped in 2024 and 2025, possibly due to mental exhaustion and pressure.

Workload management and family reasons

Kohli has already retired from T20 international cricket in the year 2024. His move may also be related to workload management and family reasons. He had said that I may not have the ability to play the next Australia tour, so I am at peace with whatever has happened.

Virat Kohli's contribution to Test cricket

Let us tell you that Kohli scored 9230 runs in 123 matches in Test cricket, which includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score was 254 runs.  His tenure saw significant milestones, including India's Test series victories in Australia (2018-19) and England (2021).