Our Bureau
Mumbai
Virat Kohli’s latest announcement of retiring from Test cricket has shaken the Indian cricket fan base. Although the reports of the cricket star thinking of retirement surfaced, fans thought it might not happen as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) approached a highly influential figure to try and convince Kohli to reconsider. But the effort has not seemed to work and it is certain that the right-hand batter has decided to bid farewell to the longest format of the game.
King Kohli, as he is called by his fans, had an illustrious 14-year career in which he took Indian cricket to great heights. The BCCI also reacted to Virat Kohli’s retirement and posted, “Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER!” They also added, “Virat Kohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to Team India will forever be cherished!”
Sachin Tendulkar who Kohli looked up to and considered his mentor growing up, also congratulated him on a great test career. Sachin remembered Kohli’s great gesture during his retirement and said he has deep admiration for Kohli and wishes him the best.
He wrote, “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 heart-warming 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. Congratulations on a very special Test career.”
AB de Villiers, one of Kohli’s long-time friends, also reacted to Virat’s retirement and wrote, “Congrats to my biscotti, Virat Kohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!”
Ravi Shastri also posted a heartfelt message for Virat Kohli which read, “Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day giant and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ. God bless.”
Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yuvraj Singh, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Irfan Pathan and Gautam Gambhir along with many others congratulated Kohli on a great career and wished him the best for the future. Virat Kohli retired as one of the top 4 run-getters in India’s test cricket history. In the 123 matches Kohli played for India, he scored a total of 9230 runs at an average of 46.38 including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
