One year ago today (12th May 2025), just two days after India and Pakistan announced a ceasefire following Operation Sindoor, the country and its people were still dealing with the aftereffects of the events. On their breakfast tables, cricket fans in the country were given a major shock in the morning as a post by Virat Kohli completely changed the news cycle
Just days before India were set to announce their Test squad for the tour of England, where after Rohit Sharma's retirement, Kohli was set to play a key role, the veteran batter stunned the nation by revealing that he is bidding adieu to the longest format.
Ending months of speculation over his future in red-ball cricket, the former Indian captain took to Instagram and revealed his decision. The superstar used to send a message by using Frank Sinatra's 'My Way' song in the post.
"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," wrote Kohli on Instagram.
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," Kohli concluded.
The post has managed to gather over 20 million likes to date.
Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement through an Instagram post |courtesy - Instagram
While Kohli's future in the longest format had been a topic of discussion after a sustained run of poor form, his legacy in the format made it a huge moment in cricket and left many across the nation saddened. Collectively, cricket lovers around felt that the star batter had a lot more to achieve.
Kohli finished as India's fourth highest-run getter in the format with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.9 with 30 centuries.
The star batter quit on the cusp of history as the historic milestone of 10,000 runs in the format, which would have put him on an elite list of cricketers, was just 770 runs away.
Source: India Latest News, Breaking News Today, Top News Headlines | Times Now
