Why Did Virat Kohli Retire from Test Cricket in 2025?

5 Shocking Reasons

Virat Kohli, India’s cricketing titan, shocked the world on May 12, 2025, by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, ending a 14-year career that redefined the format. With 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 40 Test wins as captain, Kohli’s exit leaves a void in Indian cricket. Why did the former captain, known for his fierce #269 grit, walk away from the whites? In this CricPredictor blog, we uncover five shocking reasons—and one intriguing theory—behind his decision, backed by stats, expert insights, and fan reactions. Predict how India will fare without him in the England vs India 2025 series at iconic Cricket stadiums like Wankhede Stadium and Eden Gardens. Visit CricPredictor today and see how our advanced algorithms can improve your Match prediction!

A Glorious Test Legacy

Kohli debuted in 2011 against West Indies at Kensington Oval, evolving from a fiery youngster to India’s greatest Test captain. His stats are monumental:

• 123 Tests, 9,230 runs at a 46.85 average.

• 30 centuries, including seven double tons (most by an Indian).

• Key milestones: First Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia (2018–19), leading India to No. 1 ICC Test ranking.

His intensity at venues like M. Chinnaswamy Stadium transformed Test cricket’s appeal. As he said, “It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.” Why retire now? Stay updated with Cricket news and let’s dive in.

Reasons for Kohli’s Test Retirement

1. Struggles with Form

Kohli’s bat faltered recently, with his Test average dropping to 32.56 since July 2023. Key stats:

• One century (123, Perth, November 2024) in 24 months.

• 190 runs in five Tests (Australia 2024–25).

• New Zealand’s 3-0 sweep (2024) exposed technical flaws, like edging outside off-stump at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Was declining form a factor? Use our player performance analysis tools to compare Kohli’s stats with stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

2. Eye on ODI World Cup 2027

At 36, Kohli’s ODI hunger (13,906 runs, 50 centuries) remains strong after India’s 2023 final loss at Narendra Modi Stadium. Retiring from Tests frees his schedule for the 2027 World Cup, possibly as captain. Could this be his ultimate goal? Explore our Cricket Betting Tips for ODI predictions.

3. Family and Personal Priorities

Kohli’s move to London with Anushka Sharma and children, Vamika and Akaay, suggests a shift. His brands, One8 and WROGN, are thriving. After 14 years of tours, including MA Chidambaram Stadium, is family his focus? Follow our Telegram channel for Kohli’s off-field updates.

4. Team Transition and BCCI Dynamics

India’s Test team is rebuilding after Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirements (May 2025). Shubman Gill, tipped for captaincy, and youngsters like Jaiswal and Pant will shine at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Did BCCI’s youth vision influence Kohli? Predict India’s next leader with our Match Prediction tool.

5. Physical and Mental Fatigue

Test cricket’s grind—123 matches, tours to Sardar Patel Stadium, and captaincy pressure—takes a toll. At 36, Kohli’s Instagram post on May 12, 2025, hinted at exhaustion: “The whites have been my soul, but it’s time to pass the baton.” Was fatigue the final straw? Watch his farewell in our Cricket Related Videos.

Can This Also Be the Reason?: Has Virat Kohli Retired Because Rohit Sharma Has Been Removed from Captaincy in Test Format?

Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement on May 7, 2025, just days before Kohli’s, sparked speculation. Rohit led India to 14 Test wins, but his exit shifted focus to Shubman Gill. X posts claim Kohli, with a 58.82% win rate in 68 Tests as captain, sought to reclaim leadership but was denied by BCCI. The timing—post-Australia and pre-England at Eden Gardens—raises questions. Kohli’s 2018 Australia series win showcases his captaincy prowess. No official sources confirm this, but could BCCI’s preference for Gill have pushed Kohli out? Share your thoughts below and join our Blogs for more debates on Cricket Teams.

Impact on Indian Cricket

Kohli’s exit, with Rohit and Ashwin’s, leaves India vulnerable for the World Test Championship England series (June 2025) at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Impacts:

• Batting: Gill (1,813 runs, 34.09 average), Jaiswal (1,407 runs), Pant (2,417 runs) replace Kohli’s 9,230 runs.

• Leadership: Gill’s 0 captaincy Tests vs. Kohli’s 40 wins.

• WTC 2025–27: India (No. 2) faces challenges.

Kohli’s fitness legacy endures. Predict the series with our free match predictor tool.

Fan and Cricket World Reactions

Tributes flooded in:

• Sachin Tendulkar: “Your true legacy lies in inspiring countless young cricketers.”

• Dinesh Karthik: “Kohli was the frontrunner of how Test cricket needs to be played.”

• Novak Djokovic: “A champion in every sense, Virat!”

X fans, with #269 trending, mourned and debated BCCI’s role. At Wankhede Stadium, IPL 2025 saw “Kohli!” chants. Share your Kohli moment on our Contact us page.

What’s Next for Kohli?

Kohli’s IPL 2025 form (505 runs, 11 matches) at Chennai Super Kings’ stadium is electric, with ODIs next. Future paths:

• Mentorship: Guiding Jaiswal, Gill.

• Coaching: Possible Royal Challengers Bangalore role.

• Business: Expanding One8, WROGN.

• Olympics 2028: Cricket ambassador.

Bet on his future with our Betting Sites picks and see the IPL 2025 Match Schedule.

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At CricPredictor, we blend data-driven insights with fan passion. Our tools analyze stats, pitches at Indian cricket stadiums, and history for accurate Match prediction. From Cricket Betting Tips to fantasy, we’re your go-to. Learn more at About Cricpredictor and follow our Telegram channel for live updates.

Final Thoughts

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Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, driven by form struggles, ODI ambitions, family priorities, team changes, fatigue, and possibly BCCI’s captaincy dynamics, marks the end of an era. His 9,230 runs and 40 wins cement his legend, but India faces a new chapter at Eden Gardens. Join the CricPredictor community and share your predictions with fans! Was Kohli’s exit timed right? Vote in our poll, explore our IPL FAQ, and predict the England vs India 2025 series with our prediction tools.. Whether you’re looking for Cricket Betting Tips, fantasy team advice, or live updates, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how you can get involved:

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