Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket: Career, Brands & Business

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The curtain has fallen on a golden era in Indian cricket, as Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, closing a remarkable 14-year journey in the game’s most demanding format.

Kohli, aged 36, made the announcement ahead of India’s Test series against England, sharing an emotional statement that reflected on the personal and professional transformation Test cricket brought him. 

The Cricket Legend

Virat Kohli’s Test career is more than just a list of statistics-it’s a story of determination, leadership, and a deep love for the game. Over 14 years, Kohli played 123 Tests, 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 fifties, numbers that only hint at the grit and passion he brought to the field. As captain, he led India to 40 Test victories in 68 matches-the most by any Indian skipper-setting new standards for what was possible in overseas conditions and inspiring a generation with his aggressive, never-back-down attitude.

But Kohli’s influence goes far beyond red-ball cricket. He is the only player to have appeared in 300 ODIs, 100 Tests, and 100 T20Is, and stands as the third-highest run-scorer in international cricket with 27,503 runs across all formats. His record-breaking 50 ODI centuries, fastest to 14,000 ODI runs, and 4,008 runs in T20 internationals have set benchmarks that will challenge future generations.

Kohli’s trophy cabinet is as impressive as his stats, featuring the Arjuna Award, Padma Shri, Khel Ratna, and multiple ICC honors, including being named Cricketer of the Decade for 2011–20205. Yet, perhaps his greatest legacy is the culture he leaves behind: a blueprint of fitness, professionalism, and ambition that has redefined what it means to be an Indian cricketer. Kohli’s journey is a reminder that greatness is about more than numbers-it’s about raising the bar, inspiring others, and leaving the game better than you found it.

The Endorsement Powerhouse

Kohli’s face is everywhere-from billboards to prime-time commercials. His endorsement portfolio is a who’s who of global and Indian brands:

Brand Virat Kohli
  • Puma: Eight-year deal worth ₹110 crore, including his own One8 line.
  • MRF Tyres: Long-standing bat sponsorship, earning ₹12.5 crore annually.
  • Audi: Brand ambassador since 2015.
  • Myntra: Fashion and lifestyle, often alongside Anushka Sharma.
  • Wrogn: Not just an endorser, but also an investor and co-creator.
  • Too Yumm: Healthy snacks.
  • Vivo: Smartphones.
  • Noise: Smart gadgets.
  • Toothsi: Oral care, with Anushka Sharma.
  • Manyavar: Ethnic wear, especially for weddings.
  • LivSpace: Interior design, with creative ad campaigns.

These partnerships are more than business-they reflect Kohli’s personal brand: energetic, aspirational, and trend-setting.

The Entrepreneur and Investor

Kohli’s business instincts are as sharp as his cover drives. He has invested in and co-founded several ventures:

  • Wrogn: Fashion label under Universal Sportsbiz Pvt Ltd, where he is a co-owner and creative force.
  • Chisel Fitness: Nationwide chain of fitness centers, promoting the fitness-first philosophy he brought to Indian cricket.
  • Rage Coffee: Fast-growing FMCG coffee brand, now in over 2,500 stores.
  • Blue Tribe: Plant-based meat startup, co-invested with Anushka Sharma, reflecting their commitment to sustainability.
  • Digit Insurance: Digital insurance company, where Kohli and Anushka have invested.
  • Mobile Premier League (MPL): Esports and gaming platform, where he is both investor and brand ambassador.

Net Worth and Financial Empire

Kohli’s net worth is estimated at over ₹1,000 crore (approximately $127 million). This wealth comes from a blend of cricket contracts, endorsements, business ventures, and equity in startups.

The Human Touch

Off the field, Kohli is known for his philanthropic efforts, especially in child welfare and animal rights, often alongside Anushka Sharma. The couple’s investments in sustainable startups and their public advocacy for fitness and mental health have widened their impact beyond sport and business.

Awards, Honours, and Legacy

  • National awards: Arjuna Award (2013), Padma Shri (2017), Khel Ratna (2018).
  • ICC and BCCI awards: Multiple Cricketer of the Year, ODI Player of the Year, and Test Team of the Year selections.
  • A stand named after him at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Good Bye King

Virat Kohli’s journey is about much more than just cricket-it’s a story of transformation, both personal and national, and of redefining what it means to be an athlete in today’s world. As he steps away from Test cricket after a remarkable 14-year career, Kohli leaves behind not just records and runs, but a legacy built on relentless self-improvement, bold leadership, and ambition that extended far beyond the boundary ropes.

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