Virat Kohli retirement: Here's modern great's test career in numbers; a legacy etched in stats

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, drawing the curtain on a remarkable red-ball career that spanned over a decade. The former India captain departs as one of the modern greats, both in terms of leadership and individual brilliance.

Also Read: Alvida Virat! Kohli hangs up his boots after 14-years stint; 9,230 runs in 123 matches

Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His highest score — a masterful 254 not out against South Africa in Pune in 2019 — stands as a testament to his dominance and class. Notably, he became the fastest player to reach 7,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone in just 138 innings.

As captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, making him the sixth most-capped Test skipper in history. Under his leadership, India climbed to the top of the ICC Test rankings and established a formidable home and overseas record.

His standout performances include 141 against Australia in Adelaide (2014), 153 against South Africa in Centurion (2018), and a gritty 149 against England in Birmingham (2018). Even in lower-scoring innings like the fighting 54 in Johannesburg (2018), Kohli’s impact was evident.

The BCCI paid tribute, stating: “𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER!”

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌

An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.

His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep

— BCCI (@BCCI)

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌

An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.

His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep

— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025

">May 12, 2025

Kohli’s departure marks the end of an era, but his influence will inspire generations to come.

Would you like a graphic summary of his career stats?