The end of an era arrived on May 12 as Virat Kohli officially bid farewell to Test cricket, bringing down the curtain on a 14-year journey that redefined India's red-ball legacy. The former India captain made the announcement on Instagram, calling it an emotional but necessary decision. “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,” Kohli wrote in a heartfelt note that quickly went viral. Kohli’s final appearance in whites came earlier this year at the SCG during India’s five-match Test series in Australia. He scored 17 in the first innings and just 6 in his last-ever knock before falling to Scott Boland. India went on to lose the match by six wickets. WATCH: Virat Kohli’s final walk in whites His final season didn’t live up to his usual standards either. Across 19 innings, Kohli managed just 382 runs at an average of 22.47, including one century. But numbers alone don’t define his legacy. With 30 centuries and over 9,000 Test runs, Kohli leaves behind a career that inspired millions. Cricketers pay tribute to Kohli Prithvi Shaw posted a tribute for both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by PRITHVI PANKAJ SHAW (@prithvishaw) India head coach Gautam Gambhir posted a picture of Virat Kohli and added: 'Will miss u Cheeks'. A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6 — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025 Here are some of the tributes for Virat Kohli on social media. Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G — Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025 Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025 There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0 — Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025 The Greatest Indian Cricketer of all times bids adieu to Test cricket 🏏…. Thank you Virat Kohli for being a cup of joy to world cricket - kahaan parre ho chakker mein koi nahin hai takker mein … @imVkohli @RCBTweets @BCCI pic.twitter.com/9cQ3KTI8yx — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) May 12, 2025 Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025 A champion on and off the field, an absolute genius of the game. @imVkohli, playing with you was a sheer pleasure... It's hard to accept that the nation will miss you watching in Test cricket. You will be remembered as one of the greatest legends ever to have graced the game.… pic.twitter.com/u6MrkNUZkx — MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) May 12, 2025 The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai. #RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS — Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025 Congratulations Virat on a Test career you can be incredibly proud of! Your passion for the format was inspiring...and it was an honour to share the crease with you over the years, in the heat of many-a-battle, grinding it out for the country! Will cherish the several memories… pic.twitter.com/0Qp9vofOPn — Cheteshwar Pujara (@cheteshwar1) May 12, 2025 I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tOdzaz2wej — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 12, 2025