Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket after a remarkable 14-year career. Sharing the news via an emotional Instagram post, Kohli reflected on his journey in the longest format of the game.
“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… 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… #269, signing off,” Kohli wrote.
The announcement sparked a flood of reactions from Bollywood stars and celebrities, who paid heartfelt tributes to the cricket legend.
Ranveer Singh took to the comments section, writing, “One in a Billion! Go well, King!” while Vicky Kaushal shared Kohli’s post on his Instagram story, saying, “You did it your way and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations on an incredibly inspiring test career and thank you for the memories, Champ!”
Veteran actor Suniel Shetty praised Kohli’s intensity and dedication in a post on X (formerly Twitter), saying:
“You didn’t just play Test cricket Virat… You lived it. You honoured it, breathed fire, wore your heart on your sleeve and your passion like armour. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on.”
Kohli’s wife, actor Anushka Sharma, shared an emotional note, shedding light on the unseen struggles behind his success.
“They’ll talk about the records and milestones, but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw… Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire from international cricket in whites. But you’ve always followed your heart. You’ve earned every bit of this goodbye,” she wrote.
Virat Kohli debuted in Test cricket in 2011 and played 113 matches, scoring 9,230 runs with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. His highest score was an unbeaten 254 against South Africa. As a captain, he led India in 68 Tests, winning 40—the most by any Indian Test skipper. Under his leadership, India reached the No. 1 Test ranking and made two World Test Championship finals.
Kohli’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era, but his legacy on the red-ball stage remains timeless.
