The cricket fraternity paid its respects to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli as he confirmed his retirement from Test cricket, ending a illustrious career during which he amassed 9,230 runs in 123 matches, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties to his name.
Kohli made the declaration in an emotional Instagram post on Monday, recalling his 14-year-long career in Test cricket. "It's 14 years since I first donned the baggy blue in Test cricket. There's something intensely personal about playing in whites. The quiet toil, the long days, the little things that no one notices but which linger with you for all time. As I move away from this format, it's not easy — but it feels right. I've left everything I had on the field, and it's given me back so much more than I could've ever dreamed of," Kohli wrote. "I'm leaving with a heart full of thanks — for the game, for the teammates I shared the field with, and for every single individual who made me feel noticed along the way. I'll always remember my Test career with a smile. #269, out."
The International Cricket Council (ICC) posted a statement on Instagram, stating, "Whites off, crown intact, Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy."
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also lauded Kohli’s immense contribution to the sport. "Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era ends in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!" the BCCI wrote on X.
Kohli's IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore, tweeted a broken heart emoji on X, mentioning, "Thank You, Virat. #269 Test Cricket will never be the same again!"
Suresh Raina, Kohli's 2011 World Cup teammate, expressed his appreciation by saying, "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 also expressed his gratitude, writing on X, "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."
The Mumbai Cricket Association paid their respects, referring to Kohli as one of the greatest to have ever played Test cricket. "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 posted on X.
Chennai Super Kings also sent out their message of thanks: "A career that's a testament to Test cricket's spirit! Thank You, Viral Kohli!" While Punjab Kings conveyed: "Cap 269 Memories Infinite Thank You Kohli!"
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan appreciated Kohli for revolutionizing Test cricket. "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," he tweeted.
Ex-cricketer Munaf Patel also congratulated Kohli, saying, "@imVkohli Thank you Champ for amazing memories for India. Congratulations for amazing Career in #TestCricket."
Kohli's retirement came on the heels of the recent retirement of Rohit Sharma from the longest format of the game. Kohli retired as the fourth-most successful Test captain in history with 40 victories, trailing only behind Graeme Smith (53 victories), Ricky Ponting (48 victories), and Steve Waugh (41 victories).
In terms of individual achievements, Kohli’s 30 Test centuries place him as the fourth-most successful Indian batter, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51 centuries), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). Kohli also holds the record for the most Test double hundreds by an Indian, with seven, and has the most Test centuries by an Indian captain, with 20 centuries, far ahead of Gavaskar’s 11.
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