Virat Kohli has informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he plans to retire from Test cricket ahead of India's five-match series against England, reported to begin on June 20, 2025. According to sources quoted in an Express news report, Kohli has made up his mind and has informed the board of his decision. Asking Kohli to reconsider his decision, the BCCI noted that Kohli's experience would be crucial to the team during the important tour to England. Kohli has yet to reply to the board's request. 

Although his Test cricket stats are impressive—123 matches, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and 40 victories as India's most successful Test captain—it appears that Kohli thinks that it is time to leave the long format behind. As the BCCI made clear to Kohli in their message, it is an important time for Indian cricket, especially with no leadership and a series in England ahead.

This news comes shortly after the retirement announcement of star batter Rohit Sharma from Test cricket, which created major changes to the Indian Test squad. It would signal the end of a grossly important era for Indian cricket should Kohli retire as well. He has been a critical stabilizing force in the Indian dressing room and has also been a key part of India's batting for several years.

Also Read: Top 5 unbreakable Test records of Virat Kohli

Fan Reactions on Twitter

The matter of Kohli possibly retiring seems to have sent fans into an emotional frenzy on social media, specifically Twitter. Many fans are asking the BCCI to persuade Kohli to stay. Others have stated their hope to see Kohli reach important personal benchmarks before retiring. One user stated, "Should I complete 10k first? Nooo, Virat," referencing his 9,230 Test runs. Here are the some fans' reactions on Kohli's test retirement news.

@imVkohli, please reconsider. Cricket without you will lose its soul. Your aggression, passion, unshakable will to win, and that magnetic presence on the field. it’s what made millions fall in love with the game. We’re not ready to say goodbye to that fire. 💔

Please stay Virat pic.twitter.com/uy5XR21N9u

— SHADAB 🌙♥️ (@shadab_strom) May 10, 2025

End of an Era 🥺🇮🇳@imVkohli retired from test cricket after @ImRo45 #viratretired #retirement #viratkohli #rohitsharma pic.twitter.com/66LimyoUsU

— Aditya Raj (@adityarajmpy) May 10, 2025

Virat, it honestly breaks my heart to think you might leave Test cricket like this. You’ve given us so much-you deserve a proper fair well. Please play till the 2027 WTC, your attitude was always about improving not giving up. Show everyone once again why you’re the GOAT.❤️‍🩹🙏 pic.twitter.com/dZSKqO4Y1w

— ᴷⁱⁿᵍ१८ (@KING_JAAT18) May 10, 2025

@imVkohli ik all these fuss regarding this test retirement is fake and we always stand by you. You are someone who always improves and reinvents himself each tym you fail. I believe in you Virat ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AK92Klxpsw

— Ayush (@yush_18) May 10, 2025

VIRAT IS THE ONLY REASON I WATCH TEST RN!! Please rethink champ 🥺❤️‍🩹#ViratKohliretirement #ViratKohli𓃵

— Sumeet Katke (@KatkeSumeet) May 10, 2025

Happy Retirement @imVkohli
The test is no more exciting like before.🥹🥹
I want to see you smashing that 100 centuries but..
We will not watch test after you.
when Australia got early wickets, we were sure that You were still there.......#ViratKohli𓃵#ViratKohli#viratkholi pic.twitter.com/DaB34b4tVV

— Sangram Singh (@sangrampalival) May 10, 2025

Tbh, it hurts now when Rohit has announced his retirement from tests. Man, I can't forget How I spent my teenage watching Virat and Rohit bat. ❤️❤️❤️

It hurts to imagine that Rohit won't be seen in tests now.

— Dr. LIBERAL (@NotALiberalll) May 8, 2025

Virat just can't retire like that from Test Cricket 🏏. He will and definitely should have a farewell test match for his millions of fans.

— Mudit 🇮🇳 (@MuditHastir) May 10, 2025

No virat u can’t leave ur best format like this man .U have to leave it on a happy note man .It will be injustice to test cricket and ur fans if u leave test format like this .Give it a final try man .

— Cricket on my mind (@bhuvifan2003) May 10, 2025