'Signing off': Virat Kohli confirms retirement from Test cricket after 14-year career
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Indian legend Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket.
The former captain and one of the country's all-time greats will bow out ahead of the upcoming series against England, which kicks off next month.
Kohli finishes his glittering international red-ball career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.
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The 36-year-old confirmed the news via social media on Monday afternoon (AEST).
Virat Kohli has announced his retirement. Getty
"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," he said.
"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.
"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."
Australian legend David Warner was quick to congratulate his long-time rival.
"Congrats great man," he commented via Instagram.
Kohli captained the Test team for close to a decade and was an inspirational leader, inspiring his troops to plenty of victories with his words and actions.
He retires as the fourth-highest runscorer for India in the format, with only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar above him.
