In a major development for Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The star batter confirmed the news through an emotional Instagram post on Saturday, bringing an end to a celebrated red-ball career that spanned over 14 years. “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,” Kohli wrote. “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,” he added. In his heartfelt note, Kohli admitted that walking away from the longest format wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the right time. “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,” he wrote. “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 post concluded. “#269, signing off.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virat Kohli (@virat.kohli) One of the greats of the modern era Virat Kohli leaves behind a staggering legacy in Test cricket. Since making his debut in 2011, Kohli has played 123 Tests, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He smashed 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in the format, becoming one of India's most successful Test batters. Under his captaincy, India reached new heights in the longest format, including a historic series win in Australia and a place in the inaugural World Test Championship final. Also Read: Ex-England cricketer blasts ECB for letting Bethell stay in IPL Kohli’s decision follows the recent retirement of Rohit Sharma from Tests, marking the end of an era in Indian red-ball cricket. India will now have to rebuild without two of their most experienced batters as they head into the next WTC cycle.