Mumbai/IBNS: India's cricket icon Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket, ending his illustrious journey in red ball cricket.

Kohli announced his retirement in an Instagram post.

In a long note, Kohli wrote, "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."

The former India captain added, "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."

The 36-year-old had earlier expressed to the Indian cricket board BCCI his wish to retire from Tests.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had appealed to Kohli to reconsider his decision in the run-up to the England tour.

Kohli's decision came days after his contemporary Rohit Sharma's announcement of retirement from Tests.

The Indian selectors will meet soon to pick the squad for the England tour where the two teams will lock horns for five Test matches in June.

Much like his mate Rohit Sharma, Kohli's form in the last Test series, which was the Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, was under the scanner.

His repeated fashion of getting caught behind the wicket and in slip cordon in bids to smash cover drives had pointed fingers at his performances in the longest format of the sport.

Kohli, who retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup, will continue to play the 50-over format. 

In Rohit and Kohli absences, the Indian selectors will have to pick a new captain for the England tour.

With Rohit and Kohli going out, the team will be largely dependent on KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant.

Kohli's Test Career Overview

Matches Played: 123

Innings: 210

Runs Scored: 9,230

Batting Average: 46.85

Centuries: 30

Half-Centuries: 31

Highest Score: 254*

Strike Rate: 55.57

Catches: 121