Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of his generation, has hinted at retiring from Test cricket in the coming years. Speaking at an event on March 15, the Indian batting maestro suggested that he may not have another Test tour of Australia left in him, indicating that his red-ball career could be nearing its final phase.

The 35-year-old former captain, who has defined an era of Indian cricket, expressed satisfaction with his career so far. "I am at peace with whatever happened in the past," Virat said, reflecting on his journey in the longest format of the game.

A Career Defined by Australia Tours

Kohli’s rise to stardom in Test cricket began with his exceptional performances in Australia during the 2011/12 series. His ability to dominate world-class bowlers on Australian soil solidified his place in the Indian Test team. However, after struggling in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where his place in the Test side was questioned, the thought of retirement seems to be creeping into his mind.

Speaking about his post-retirement plans, Virat admitted that he has no concrete idea yet. "I actually don't know what I will be doing post-retirement. Recently, I asked a teammate the same question and got the same reply. Yeah, but maybe a lot of travelling," he shared.

The statement that stood out, however, was when Kohli said, "I might not have another Australia tour in me." This subtle admission suggests that the 2027 Australia tour might not feature the modern-day great in India’s Test squad.

From Captaincy Debut to Historic Triumph in Australia

Interestingly, Kohli made his Test captaincy debut in Australia. He led India in the first Test of the 2014/15 series in Adelaide, stepping in for an injured MS Dhoni. Later in the same series, he officially took over the reins as India’s full-time Test captain after Dhoni retired from the format during the third Test in Melbourne.

Under his leadership, India created history by winning their first-ever Test series in Australia in 2018/19. This triumph made Kohli the first Asian captain to win a Test series Down Under. Later, Ajinkya Rahane replicated this feat by leading India to another famous series victory in the 2020/21 tour.

Struggles in 2024/25: A Tough Series for Kohli

Kohli started the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy on a high, scoring a century in the Perth Test, which helped India secure a crucial win. However, his form dipped alarmingly after that match.

• He finished the series with just 190 runs in 9 innings, a disappointing tally for a player of his stature.
• India lost the five-match series 1-3, leading to further scrutiny of Kohli’s performance.

This poor run of form led to speculation about his future in the longest format.

Redemption in the Champions Trophy & England Tour on the Horizon

Despite his struggles in Australia, Kohli bounced back in style in the 2025 Champions Trophy, regaining form in white-ball cricket. His performances in the tournament reassured fans that he still has plenty left in the tank.

With a crucial five-match Test series in England approaching, Kohli remains a key player for the Indian team. Rohit Sharma is reportedly set to lead the visitors, and Kohli's presence in the middle order will be crucial as India looks to conquer England in red-ball cricket.

Will Kohli Retire Soon?

While Kohli hasn’t given a definitive timeline for his Test retirement, his recent comments suggest that he is carefully considering his future in the format. Given his legendary status and love for Test cricket, fans will hope to see him continue for a few more years. However, as age and workload become factors, Kohli might prioritize limited-overs cricket in the twilight of his career.

For now, all eyes will be on his performance in England, where he has a chance to silence critics and prove that he still belongs at the highest level in Test cricket.

1. Has Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement?
No, but he has hinted that he might not have many Test matches left, especially another Australia tour.

2. Why is Kohli considering Test retirement?
Kohli has struggled in recent Test series, particularly in Australia, and he may be looking to manage his workload as he grows older.

3. What was Kohli’s record in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
He scored 190 runs in 9 innings, with only one century, as India lost the series 1-3.

4. Will Kohli play in the upcoming England Test series?
Yes, he is expected to be part of the squad for the five-match series in England.

5. What are Kohli’s post-retirement plans?
Kohli hasn’t decided yet but mentioned that he might spend a lot of time traveling after retirement.