Published: May 12, 2025, 04:11 PM (IST)
Edited: May 12, 2025, 04:13 PM (IST)
The cricket fraternity extended tribute to the legendary batter following his announcement from Test cricket. In his illustrious 14-year-old career, Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including a stellar 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Kohli announced his retirement through an instagram post on Monday, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket… 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,” the post read.
Virat Kohli’s IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru took to their social media and shared a broken heart emoji and wrote, “Thank You, Virat. #269 Test Cricket will never be the same again!”
Former India star batter and 2011 world cup winning champion Suresh Raina said “Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli. Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on.
Ex India all-rounder Yusuf Pathan took to X and said, “Congratulations to Virat Kohli on a great Test career. Thank you for all the memorable moments in whites. Wishing you the best for what’s ahead.
Former India’s pacer Irfan Pathan wrote, “Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard. A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket,”
Ex India cricketer Munaf Patel said “@imVkohli Thank you Champ for amazing memories for India. Congratulations for amazing Career in #TestCricket,”
Chennai Super Kings said “A career that’s a testament to Test cricket’s spirit! Thank You, Virat Kohli!” Punjab Kings added “Cap 269 Memories Infinite Thank You Kohli!”
Mumbai Cricket Association also posted on X, “End of an Era. Thank You King Kohli. One of the greatest to ever wear the whites has called time on his Test journey,” it shared on X.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also shared a heartfelt post, “I was overwhelmed with joy when I found out that my idol, the very one I grew up watching dominate in whites for the country, would be the one to hand me my Test cap. “ Cap Number 315, Nitish Reddy” – these words will forever echo in my heart. The energy. The passion. The warmth. The fight. You showed it all in this format. A true torchbearer who renewed our love for Test cricket. I’ll always treasure the moments we shared on the field together”
“Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best of times ahead in One Day Cricket” former India star opener Virender Sehwag said
With 30 Test centuries to his name, Virat Kohli stands as the fourth-most successful Indian batter in terms of hundreds, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar (51), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). He also holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Test cricket.
As captain, Kohli leads the charts for India with 20 Test hundreds nearly double that of Sunil Gavaskar, who is next on the list with 11.
