Virat Kohli Retires: 'I'll Always Look Back At My Test Career With A Smile', Says The Red-Ball Legend

India icon Virat Kohli has confirmed his retirement from Test cricket.

Reports emerged last week that Kohli, who stepped down as India's Test captain in 2022, had informed the BCCI of his decision to retire.

And in a post to his social media channels on Monday, Kohli announced his decision to bring the curtain down on his Test career, which comes on the back of captain Rohit Sharma stepping away from the longest format.

"It라이브 바카라 been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli wrote.

"Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It라이브 바카라 tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.

"There라이브 바카라 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.

"As I step away from this format, it라이브 바카라 not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it라이브 바카라 given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for."

According to reports, India's selectors had been expecting Kohli to play in the upcoming series against England, which starts on June 20.

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 and has played in 123 matches, with 68 of those seeing him lead the team.

Not only did Kohli oversee more matches in charge of India than any other Test captain, but he also led his team to 40 wins, making him the nation's most successful skipper in the format.

The 36-year-old has averaged 46.85, having plundered 9,230 Test runs, which ranks fourth among Indian batters, behind Sunil Gavaskar (10,122), Rahul Dravid (13,265) and Sachin Tendulkar (15,921).

Kohli hit 30 Test tons, ranking fourth for his country. His tally of seven double-hundreds ranks seventh on the all-time list.

"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," his announcement concluded.

"I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile."