New Delhi: Indian cricketing icon Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an end to a remarkable red-ball career that spanned over a decade. The announcement was made on Instagram on Monday, where Kohli shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey in the longest format of the game.

“Test cricket tested me, shaped me, taught me lessons that I will remember for the rest of my life,” Kohli wrote, thanking fans, teammates, and coaches who were part of his Test career.

Kohli had reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his decision last Saturday. The board had attempted to persuade him to continue, but Kohli reaffirmed his decision following further discussions on Sunday.

Kohli’s decision comes in the wake of a disappointing performance during the Border-Gavaskar series in Australia held in December-January, where he averaged just 23.75, scoring 190 runs in 9 innings.

Over his 123-Test career, Kohli accumulated an impressive record:

-30 centuries

-31 half-centuries

-7 double centuries

He was also named ICC Test Player of the Year in both 2017 and 2018, and is widely credited with reinvigorating India’s approach to Test cricket with his aggressive captaincy and fitness standards.

Following his announcement, the BCCI posted a tribute, stating that "an era in Test cricket has ended." Tributes have been pouring in from fans and cricketing legends around the world, recognizing Kohli’s immense contribution to Indian and world cricket.

Kohli’s retirement from Tests marks the end of a chapter that saw India achieve historic overseas victories and reach the top of the ICC Test rankings under his leadership.