Virat Kohli Retirement Live Updates: World cricket pays tribute

Virat Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma were seen at Mumbai airport just minutes after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. The former India captain concluded a stellar red-ball career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. Kohli shared the news on social media on Monday, marking the end of a significant chapter in Indian cricket.

In his heartfelt post, he 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." He reflected on the deeper connection he felt with Test cricket, adding, "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 tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, Kohli's presence at the airport alongside Anushka symbolised a calm and composed exit from a format he so passionately cherished.

As news of Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket spread, a wave of heartfelt tributes poured in from players, former teammates, cricketing legends, and fans around the globe.

Social media platforms were flooded with farewell messages, celebrating Kohli’s passion, grit, and immense contribution to the red-ball format. Fellow cricketers praised his leadership and dedication, while fans shared memories of his most iconic moments in whites, from thrilling centuries to aggressive on-field battles.

It is reflecting the deep emotional impact of his departure. The cricketing world is united in honouring a player who redefined Test cricket for a generation.

Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing an end to a remarkable 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. The announcement comes just ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, marking the beginning of a new World Test Championship cycle for the Indian team.

In the statement announcing the retirement, 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...

Kohli’s decision to retire was not sudden, it was introspective and emotional.

In his last statement in Australia, he hinted that the Oz tour would be his last in Test whites. His words revealed clarity and acceptance, even tinged with disappointment.

A cricketer who lived for the red-ball game, Kohli’s farewell was deeply personal. While the timing surprised some, it reflected the weight of expectations he carried and his own high standards. Retirement wasn’t just about age or stats, it was about knowing when to walk away with pride intact.

Kohli’s final Test series came in Australia during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Though he started strong with a century in Perth, his form tailed off, scoring just 190 runs in five matches. Eight of his ten dismissals came via slip edges, highlighting a familiar vulnerability.

While not the fairytale farewell fans hoped for, it symbolised the reality of fading form in a tough format.

Yet, Kohli fought hard till the end. He didn’t back away, even amid growing speculation about his place in the team. His resilience, even in decline, summed up the fighter he always was.

Virat Kohli’s Test career is a masterclass in consistency, technique, and hunger.

From his debut in 2011 to his century in Perth in his final series, he remained India’s most bankable batter. With 30 hundreds and a near-50 average, Kohli was a run-machine across continents.

His cover drives became symbols of elegance and dominance. Even as his form dipped in recent years, the commitment to Test cricket never wavered. Kohli wasn’t just a scorer, he was a performer under pressure.

He stood tall against Australia, England, and South Africa, and became a nightmare for bowlers in their own backyard.

While Virat Kohli’s 9,000+ Test runs and 30 centuries are remarkable, his real legacy lies in leadership.

Taking over a side in transition, Kohli infused aggression, professionalism, and a culture of fitness. He led India to their first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2018–19 and took the team to No. 1 in the ICC rankings.

His 40 Test wins are unmatched by any Indian captain. Beyond results, he made Indian fast bowling world-class and brought mental toughness to the forefront. His captaincy changed how India approached Tests, especially overseas.

Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has brought down the curtain on one of the most iconic chapters in Indian cricket history.

Over 14 years, Kohli not only amassed 9,230 runs in 123 Tests but also redefined what it meant to lead India in the longest format.

His fierce intensity, fitness culture, and unwavering passion helped shape a world-beating side. As India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins in 68 matches, Kohli inspired a generation.

His exit, just before the England series, leaves a huge void—both technically and emotionally. Fans and experts alike are celebrating a legacy that will be remembered for decades.