AB de Villiers Reacts To Virat Kohli's Test Retirement

On Monday, May 12, AB de Villiers responded to the sad news of his buddy and India Team batsman Virat Kohli. Just before the five-match Test series against the England National Cricket Team, the star batsman declared his retirement from Test cricket.

In his Instagram post, Kohli announced his decision, saying that while it wasn't an easy one for him, he believed that the time was right. He also talked about how the format taught him a lot about life and molded his career.

Virat Kohli is a bona fide legend of the Test format

Many were shocked by Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket, especially since he said that it was his favorite format. Given his exceptional level of fitness, it's reasonable to assume that he could have played for many more years.

At the end of his career, Virat Kohli stands as one of the best Test players ever. Because of his aggressive nature, which constantly kept things interesting and intense, the right-hander was frequently given credit for sustaining the format.

In 123 games, he finishes his career with 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He also had 31 fifties and 30 Test tons in his total. Few people could have predicted Kohli's retirement at the time of his final match, which took place at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia.

Virat Kohli’s retirement announcement

In an Instagram post on Monday (May 12), Kohli wrote, "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.

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."

“Congrats to my biscotti”- AB de Villiers on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli are fast friends, given that they spent almost a decade playing together at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise in the Indian Premier League.

Both Kohli and De Villiers have shown deep appreciation for one another, and even their families get along with one another.

“Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!,” DE Villiers posted for Virat Kohli.

Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025

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