Indian cricket fans woke up to a shocking piece of news — Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. The modern-day legend has informed the BCCI about his decision to step away from the longest format of the game. However, the BCCI has requested him to reconsider this move. Just a few days ago, on May 7, 2025, Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma also announced his retirement from Test cricket. And now, Virat Kohli’s decision comes as another major blow to Indian cricket.
Amid the heartbreak, there’s a silver lining — a statement that has rekindled hope among millions of fans. West Indies legend Brian Lara, who holds the record for the highest individual score (400*) in a Test innings, took to social media and made a powerful comment about Virat Kohli’s Test retirement:
“Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket. Virat Kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career.”
Lara’s words have sent a wave of joy across the cricketing world. His confidence that Virat Kohli is not done with Test cricket yet has brought hope to Indian fans, who are devastated by the sudden news.
Why Test Cricket Still Needs Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is not just a player; he’s an era. His impact on Test cricket has been phenomenal — 113 matches, 8848 runs, 29 centuries, and 7 double hundreds. More than just the stats, it’s his passion, aggression, and leadership that redefined India’s red-ball cricket. The news that Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket has left fans heartbroken.
But now, they have found new hope. Lara’s statement has made them believe again. Social media is flooded with messages urging Kohli to reconsider. Fans want to see Virat in whites for at least another 2–3 years.
Was This a Personal Call or Board Pressure?
One big question remains — was this a personal decision or a result of internal pressure from the BCCI? While there is no official statement yet from Virat Kohli or the BCCI, sources suggest the board is actively trying to convince him to reverse his decision. It remains unclear whether this was a pre-planned transition or a sudden choice influenced by behind-the-scenes dynamics.
Virat Kohli retirement impact Indian Test cricket?
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era and will significantly impact Indian cricket. As a consistent run-scorer and the backbone of India’s middle order, his absence leaves a big void, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
Even after stepping down as captain, Kohli remained a strong leader and mentor on the field, inspiring younger players with his intensity and fitness standards. His departure, along with Rohit Sharma’s, creates a leadership vacuum and puts pressure on the next generation to step up.
While it opens doors for young talents like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the transition may take time. Moreover, Kohli’s passion for Test cricket had reignited fan interest in the format, and his absence could lead to a dip in engagement. Overall, this is a major turning point for Indian red-ball cricket.
Conclusion
The news that Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket has sent shockwaves across the cricketing world. But Brian Lara’s powerful words — “Test cricket needs Virat” — offer a ray of hope. It’s not just a tribute from one legend to another, but a reminder of how crucial Virat still is to red-ball cricket. Fans now hope that the news of Virat Kohli test retirement turns out to be temporary, and that he returns to dominate the format once again.
Disclaimer: At the time of publishing, no official statement has been released by Virat Kohli himself. The BCCI has acknowledged receiving his communication and is urging him to reconsider.
FAQs
Q1. Has Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket?
Ans: Yes, as per recent reports, Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. He has informed the BCCI about his decision, although the board has urged him to reconsider.
Q2. When did Virat Kohli announce his Test retirement?
Ans: Virat Kohli reportedly announced his Test retirement on May 10, 2025 — just three days after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the format.
Q3. Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket?
Ans: The exact reason behind Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket is still unclear. There is speculation that it may be a personal decision or part of a larger transition plan within the BCCI.
Q4. Is it official that Virat Kohli retired from Test?
Ans: As of now, no official statement has been released by Virat Kohli himself, but the BCCI has confirmed that he has communicated his decision privately. They are currently trying to convince him to stay.
Q5. Will Virat Kohli come back from Test retirement?
Ans: There is still hope among fans. Cricket legend Brian Lara has publicly stated that “Virat Kohli is not going to retire from Test cricket”, and he believes Kohli will continue to play and average above 60 in the remaining years.
Q6. What does Virat Kohli’s Test retirement mean for Indian cricket?
Ans: Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era. He was not only one of India’s most successful Test captains but also one of the finest batsmen in red-ball cricket.