Star Indian batter Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable era in Indian cricket. The decision, coming shortly after Rohit Sharma’s exit from the longest format, marks a significant shift for the Indian team as it looks ahead to a new chapter.

Kohli’s illustrious Test career

Having made his debut in 2011, Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name. His career-best score of 254 stands among modern cricket’s finest individual performances. Kohli’s impact, however, extends far beyond just numbers — he redefined intensity and fitness standards for an entire generation.

Sachin Tendulkar recalls emotional memory

One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Sachin Tendulkar, who shared a poignant moment from his own farewell match. Tendulkar revealed that Kohli once offered him a sacred thread from his late father as a parting gift, a gesture the cricket icon said he never forgot.

“It was something too personal for me to accept,” wrote Tendulkar in a post. “But the gesture was heartwarming… Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport.”

Anushka Sharma pens emotional note

Kohli’s wife Anushka Sharma also took to social media with a deeply personal tribute. Highlighting the unseen emotional struggles and sacrifices behind the scenes, she wrote:

“They’ll talk about the records and milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw… Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites.”

Anushka’s words resonated with fans who’ve followed Kohli’s relentless journey in Test cricket — marked by passion, resilience, and a fierce love for the game.

What lies ahead for Team India?

With both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from the red-ball game, the Indian selectors now face a significant challenge in preparing for the upcoming five-match Test series against England. The void left by these two veterans will demand a fresh leadership approach and new talent stepping up to the task.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the cricketing world, Kohli’s Test retirement signifies not just the end of a personal journey but the closing of a defining era in Indian cricket.

Indian batting sensation Smriti Mandhana crafted a breathtaking 11th ODI century in the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday. Her commanding 116 off 101 deliveries, laced with 15 boundaries and two sixes, not only powered India to a dominant position but also elevated her to third on the list of most centuries in women’s ODIs.

Mandhana’s ton saw her overtake England’s Tammy Beaumont (10 centuries), with only Meg Lanning (15 centuries) and Suzie Bates (13 centuries) now ahead of her. The left-handed opener showcased her trademark blend of elegance and aggression after India captain Harmanpreet Kaur opted to bat first upon winning the toss.

She began cautiously, scoring her first run off the fourth ball and dispatching her opening boundary shortly after with a crisp flick. Mandhana expertly balanced restraint with calculated risks, unsettling Sri Lanka’s bowlers with well-timed attacking shots. Alongside Pratika Rawal, she built a steady 70-run opening stand over 89 balls, setting a strong platform.

Following Rawal’s exit for 30 off 49 balls, Mandhana shifted gears, ensuring India maintained momentum. She notched her second consecutive fifty in 55 deliveries, steering India past the 100-run mark by the 22nd over. Teaming up with Harleen Deol, Mandhana unleashed a barrage of boundaries against Sri Lanka’s Piumi Badalge and Dewmi Vihanga, propelling India to 150 in the 29th over.

The standout moment arrived in the 30th over, with Mandhana, on 88, smashing four consecutive fours off Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu. This blistering sequence brought up her century in just 92 balls, cementing India’s grip on the match. Her 120-run partnership with Deol, who scored 47 off 56, came off 106 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking.

Mandhana’s scintillating innings ended at 116 when she was caught at point off Dewmi Vihanga, attempting a third straight boundary. Her dismissal concluded a game-changing knock that left India in a commanding position.

Mandhana’s 11th ODI hundred underscored her pivotal role in India’s batting line-up and her rising prominence in global cricket. Her performance has set the stage for an enthralling climax to the Tri-Series final, with India firmly in the driver’s seat.

Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) about his decision to retire from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming five-match home series against England. According to media reports, top BCCI officials have urged him to reconsider his decision, especially given the team’s leadership vacuum following Rohit Sharma’s recent exit from the longest format.

As per sources cited in reports, Kohli has been contemplating this move since the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. His inconsistent performance in the red-ball format during that series attracted significant criticism, possibly prompting him to take this step.

“He has made up his mind and has informed the board that he is moving on from Test cricket. The BCCI has urged him to rethink as the crucial England tour is coming up. He is yet to revert on the request,” a source stated.

Rohit Sharma retires from Tests, continues as ODI captain

The news about Kohli’s potential retirement comes just days after Rohit Sharma officially announced his departure from Test cricket. Rohit, who led India to a T20 World Cup victory in 2024, made the announcement via a social media post, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent India in whites.

“Hello everyone, I would just like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in whites,” he said, posting an image of his Test cap.

He also confirmed that he will continue to represent India in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), a position BCCI has endorsed. “Thank you, Captain. End of an era in whites! ImRo45 bids adieu to Test cricket. He will continue to lead India in ODIs. We are proud of you, Hitman,” the board said in a statement on social media.

Selectors face challenge as England series nears

The national selectors are expected to meet in the coming days to finalise the squad for the England Test series. With both Rohit and Kohli potentially unavailable, the selection panel faces a difficult task in assembling a competitive side. The situation presents a significant test of India’s bench strength and long-term planning in red-ball cricket.

The possible exit of two senior-most players from Test cricket within days of each other signals a transition phase for Indian cricket, with new leadership and fresh talent now expected to step up.