Star Indian batter and the former skipper Virat Kohli announced his retirement yesterday which shook the cricketing world. In recent times – before Kohli, Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the same format (Test). Kohli played a pivotal role in Team India’s resurgence in Test cricket. Under his captaincy, Team India won 40 matches in 68 matches.
Kohli is recognized for fostering a team that believed in its ability to win globally and is the most successful Test captain for India. He led the team to back-to-back Test mace wins, solidifying his legacy in Indian cricket.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.
His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep
Kohli played his last match in the 5th test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has led many Indian players to retire. It’s not just Kohli, there are other Indian players as well who followed the steps of retirement.
Anil Kumble (2008)
The former Indian captain, Anil Kumble was one of the prominent figures of Indian cricket. Kumble played his final game against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008.
Sourav Ganguly (2008)
Fondly known as “God of Off-side”, Sourav Ganguly was one of the greatest players and captains that India has ever produced. Ganguly announced his retirement from International cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2008 which marked the end of an era for the legend.
Rahul Dravid (2012)
The “Wall”, Rahul Dravid was one of the most elegant batters ever. His timing on the ball and defensive shots made him one of the best in terms of techniques. After a horrific 4-0 defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2011-12, Dravid announced his retirement from the game and ending his International cricket career.
VVS Laxman (2012)
Another legendary who was known for his fighting spirit with the bat, VVS Laxman would be remembered for his iconic 281 runs which saved India from follow-on and helped the team to script a historic win. Laxman announced his retirement after the humiliating 4-0 defeat against Australia in 2012.
Virender Sehwag (2013)
The former swashbuckling batter, Virender Sehwag was one of the dashing openers in all forms of the game. Sehwag played his last game against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2013.
MS Dhoni (2014)
The former Indian captain MS Dhoni was considered one of the greatest finishers of the game and was one of the successful captains of the Indian team. During the 2014-2015 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Dhoni announced his sudden retirement from Test cricket which marked a new era in Indian cricket.
Ravichandran Ashwin (2025)
One of the best off-spinner of this era, Ravichandran Ashwin announced his retirement from International cricket during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
Rohit Sharma (2025)
The former Indian Test skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket just before the tour of England.
Also Read: Anil Kumble Speaks On Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement, Says ‘Didn’t See It Coming…’