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The modern day great, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 turned out to be Kohli's last series as a Test player. The cricket fraternity hailed Kohli for keeping Test cricket alive. India head coach Gautam Gambhir also lauded Kohli's passion on the field.
"A man with lion’s passion!" Gambhir wrote on X. "Will miss u cheeks…."
Former Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary and current International Cricket Council (ICC) chairman, Jay Shah hailed Kohli who gave it all to Test cricket in the era of fast-paced T20s. He also recalled Kohli's speech at the Lord's.
"Congratulations @imVkohli on a stellar Test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment. Your speech at the Lord’s said it all - you played Tests with heart, grit, and pride," wrote Shah on his X account.
Kohli's retirement statement
In his retirement announcement statement, Kohli expressed how Test cricket taught him lessons in life. He cherished playing Test cricket for 14 years.
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.
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.
Kohli retired as India's most successful Test captain and the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in the format.
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