🧳 Farewell to Test Cricket
On 12 May 2025, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, bringing an emotional close to a 14‑year journey in the longest format. Over 123 Tests, he amassed around 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including a national-record seven double centuries, and served as captain from 2014 to 2022, becoming India’s most successful Test skipper with 40 wins in 68 matches.
In his Instagram farewell, Kohli reflected on how red‑ball cricket “tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life”. BCCI and ICC echoed the cricketing community’s gratitude for his contributions.
RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik said Kohli is “at his happiest now” post-retirement, underscoring his contentment with stepping away from Tests.
🏏 Champions Trophy 2025: Heroics with the Bat
Despite speculation about his future, Kohli silenced critics during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scoring a match-winning, unbeaten century against Pakistan that helped India qualify for the semifinals. In doing so, he became the fastest to 14,000 ODI runs and extended his ODI centuries tally to 51.
In the final against New Zealand, Kohli delivered a crucial knock of 84 off 98 balls, anchoring India’s chase and lifting his third Champions Trophy title. He later shared: “It was special that we played as a unit… being put under pressure and walking in to put your hand up”.
🏆 IPL Glory: RCB’s Long-Awaited Triumph
After 18 seasons with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli finally saw the franchise clinch its maiden IPL title in 2025—an iconic moment for both player and team.
He scored 657 runs in 15 innings, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer, with a strike rate around 143.5 and steady anchor contributions despite fewer boundaries—a reflection of his evolved approach. His consistent form earned him the Orange Cap-contender position, including a spectacular 42‑ball 70 that propelled him into second place on the leaderboard.
The emotional rollercoaster peaked in the final against the Punjab Kings: Kohli, overcome with emotion, fell to his knees, shedding tears as celebrations erupted around him. It was a dream fulfilled for a player described as a bastion of loyalty and perseverance since IPL’s inception.
🔄 Future Prospects & Comeback Talk
Though Kohli stepped away from Test and T20 International formats (he had retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup), he remains committed to ODIs and IPL cricket.
Speculation is high that he, alongside Rohit Sharma, could return to the India squad in August 2025 for a limited-overs series in Bangladesh—pending approvals from BCCI and strategic selectors.
Meanwhile, there’s talk of a poignant farewell during India’s England tour, which could mark their final appearances Down Under. Cricket Australia has even hinted at giving Kohli and Rohit ceremonial send-offs during the series.
👤 Personality and Legacy: Emotion Beyond the Pitch
Kohli’s intensity and emotional honesty are well-documented. Spinner Yuzvendra Chahal recently shared a poignant anecdote: he saw Kohli “crying in the bathroom” after the painful 2019 World Cup semi-final loss, revealing the depth behind his fierce passion.
Kohli’s tears during RCB’s IPL victory further highlighted his authenticity—whether in defeat or lofty triumph, he wears his heart on his sleeve.
✍️ Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s journey in mid‑2025 is a study in evolution: a revered elder of the game making poignant exits, a match-winner alive in limited-overs cricket, and an emotional beacon for fans. From becoming India’s Test captain with record success, to chasing and conquering the elusive IPL title, Kohli continues to shape cricketing history.
As he enters a new chapter—potentially reprising his international career for ODIs and IPL—fans around the world watch keenly, knowing that whatever format he plays, it will be with trademark passion, resilience, and excellence.
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