Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: The End of an Era
Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has officially retired from Test cricket, marking the end of an illustrious 14-year journey in the longest format. The announcement, made just weeks before the England tour, has sent ripples through the cricketing world. Kohli, aged 37, leaves behind a remarkable legacy as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, with 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.8. His tally places him only behind legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.
Kohli’s decision comes on the heels of fellow stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin also stepping away from Test cricket. With Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara no longer in the squad, India’s red-ball team now faces a significant experience gap. Kohli’s last Test appearance was the Sydney Test against Australia, a fitting venue given his many memorable performances against the Aussies.
Test Career Highlights and Stats
Since his debut in 2011, Kohli has been a pillar of Indian batting. Over 123 Tests, he scored 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries. His aggressive style and consistency made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for bowlers worldwide. Kohli’s leadership as Test captain was transformative, instilling a fighting spirit and leading India to historic series wins abroad.
Despite never breaching the 10,000-run mark in Tests-a milestone he seemed destined to reach-Kohli’s impact goes far beyond numbers. His average of 46.8, combined with his ability to deliver under pressure, cements his status among cricket’s elite.
Net Worth and Off-Field Ventures
Kohli’s influence extends well beyond the cricket field. His estimated net worth stands at a staggering ₹1,050 crore (about $127 million), making him one of the wealthiest athletes in India. For IPL 2025, Kohli’s salary with Royal Challengers Bengaluru is a record ₹21 crore, reflecting his enduring commercial appeal.
His income streams are diverse:
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A ₹7 crore annual contract as an A+ grade player with the BCCI.
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Lucrative endorsements with brands like Puma, MRF, and Audi.
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Substantial earnings from social media, particularly Instagram.
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Investments in startups and ownership of the fashion brand One8.
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Real estate holdings and business ventures, including stakes in companies like Rage Coffee and Blue Tribe.
Kohli’s business acumen has ensured his financial growth keeps pace with his cricketing exploits.
Personal Life: Recent Controversies and Family
Off the field, Kohli’s personal life has been under the spotlight. Recently, speculation about his relationship with wife Anushka Sharma intensified after he liked photos of actress Avneet Kaur on Instagram. The couple was seen appearing distant during public outings, fueling rumors of tension. Despite the gossip, Kohli shared a heartfelt Mother’s Day tribute on Instagram, celebrating Anushka and his mother, highlighting the importance of family during a break from cricket.
Kohli and Anushka are parents to two children, Akaay and Vamika. The couple’s private moments often attract media attention, but Kohli’s focus remains on his career and family.
ODI Focus and Legacy
With his Test and T20 careers now behind him, Kohli’s attention shifts solely to ODI cricket. The 2027 World Cup in South Africa looms as his next major target. In the shorter formats, Kohli continues to break records, recently surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s record for most runs in a single World Cup edition and scoring his 50th ODI century.
Kohli’s retirement signals a new chapter for Indian cricket. As the team rebuilds, his legacy-as a player, leader, and icon-will inspire the next generation. Off the field, his business ventures and social influence ensure that the name Virat Kohli will remain prominent in Indian sports and culture for years to come.
