Tributes Pour In As Cricket Great Virat Kohli Retires From Test Matches
Photo: ICC
MUMBAI (ANI) – India’s star batsman Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, marking an end to an illustrious 14-year-old career that saw him dominate a variety of conditions, regions, and opponents in whites, both as a batter and captain.
Kohli posted on his Instagram handle “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,” Kohli wrote on Instagram. “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,” the post added.
Virat’s departure from the longest format brings to a close a chapter that not only elevated Indian cricket on the global stage but also rekindled public passion for Test cricket in an era dominated by limited-overs formats. He placed the purest form of the game back on a pedestal. His deep respect for the format was evident not only in his words but in the fierce pride with which he wore India’s whites. From his debut against the West Indies in 2011 to his final Test earlier this year, Virat’s red-ball career spanned 14 years of supreme consistency, unmatched competitiveness, and bold leadership. However, his true impact transcends numbers. He redefined the attitude with which Indian cricket approached Test matches–relentless, aggressive, and uncompromising.
Roger Binny, the Indian Cricket Board President, said, “Virat Kohli’s name will be remembered alongside the finest ever to have graced Test cricket. What set him apart was not just his hunger for runs, but his commitment to excellence in the toughest format of the game. His leadership marked a shift in how India competed overseas–with aggression, belief, and a refusal to settle for second best. He inspired a generation to take pride in the whites, and his impact on Indian cricket will be felt for decades to come.”
Tennis icon Novak Djokovic congratulated Kohli for a remarkable Test career. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, took to Instagram to congratulate Virat on a successful Test career, saying, “Incredible innings!”. Notably, Virat shares a great bond with Djokovic and exchanges texts with him.
Shubman Gill, who is reportedly a front-runner to become India’s next Test captain, penned a heartwarming note for batting legend Virat Kohli. “Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me. From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realising no one else possibly can – you’ve not just inspired a generation, you’ve reshaped the mindset of millions. I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment. Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @virat.kohli paji,” Gill wrote.
Virat’s long-time teammate and close friend KL Rahul, hailed Virat, saying that watching him play Tests was a “privilege” and more than the runs, it was his “passion, discipline and love for the game” that will stay with everyone. “What a journey it has been. Watching you give everything in whites was a privilege. More than the numbers, it’s your passion, discipline, and love for the game that will stay with us. Grateful for the memories, guidance and friendship. I’ll miss the arm around the shoulder, slip banter, and long dinner chats. Lots of love, see u soon, bro,” said Rahul in his Instagram story.
Sachin Tendulkar said, “As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.”
