Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket Ahead of England Tour, Fans Call It ‘End of a Glorious Era’ on Twitter

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In a move that has left cricket fans across the world stunned, Virat Kohli, one of India's most celebrated cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket.

The 36-year-old shared the emotional decision on Monday, 12th May-just days after Rohit Sharma called time on his red-ball career-marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.

"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," Kohli wrote on his social media handles. "It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life... As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right."

Kohli, who was earlier rumoured to have informed the BCCI about his intention to retire, confirmed the speculation with a heartfelt farewell message. Over a glittering 123-match Test career, he amassed 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a memorable top score of 254*. He bows out with 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name, having established himself as one of the pillars of Indian Test cricket in the modern era.

Beyond the numbers, Kohli's influence on the red-ball format has been nothing short of transformative. From his intense on-field persona to his tactical nous as captain, he ushered in a phase where India competed fiercely overseas and nurtured a world-class pace attack. His leadership at venues like Lord's, Adelaide, and Johannesburg is etched into Indian cricketing folklore.

Fans took to Twitter in a flood of emotion, mourning the departure of a modern-day great:

"Test Cricket won't be same now, it's really heart breaking"

"RIP to the test cricket fan inside me."

"End of a Glorious Era, Virat Kohli bids adieu to red ball cricket after a long run of wins, losses and lessons."

"First T20, now Test - Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli retire together. Two icons. One unforgettable era. Indian cricket will be grateful for the legacy you both leave behind."

"The numbers will say 30 centuries. But they won't say how he batted like a gladiator at Perth, or captained like a lion at Lord's. Indian Test Cricket saw its golden period under Virat Kohli."

With both Rohit and Kohli now stepping away from the format, Indian Test cricket finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The void left by these two titans will be hard to fill, not just statistically, but in terms of the sheer passion, grit, and charisma they brought to the whites.

Kohli leaves the longest format not only as a master batter, but as a symbol of India's fighting spirit on the world stage. His final goodbye may signal the end of a chapter-but it is a chapter that will be re-read, relived, and revered for generations to come.

Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket - 123 matches, 9230 runs, 30 centuries, 46.85 average.