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Having led India to the final of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final in 202, Virat Kohli has announced his decision to retire from the longest format of the game on Instagram.Kohli took to social media on Monday to reveal the news.“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” the post read.“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.#269, signing off.“🇮🇳❤️”Virat Kohli retired from Tests having scored 9230 runs from his 123 Tests, with 30 Test centuries and 31 fifties.Who’s that IPL player?Following the 36-year-old veteran batter’s decision to call time on his Test career, reactions have been pouring in from across the cricketing world.Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has questioned the timing of Virat Kohli’s decision. He wrote on X: “Why Retired ? @imVkohli”Virat’s IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wrote “Test Cricket won’t be the same.” Legendary commentator Harsha Bhogle acknowledged Virat’s contribution as a skipper and batter for India and said he should have left Test cricket before a packed stadium. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has posted a post with surprises emojis.
