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After days of swirling speculation, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, bringing an emotional end to a remarkable 14-year career in the game's longest format. The former India captain shared the news with fans via a heartfelt Instagram post that reflected on his journey, legacy, and the deep personal connection he holds with Test cricket.
“The Quiet Grind”: Kohli Pens Emotional Farewell to Test CricketTaking to Instagram, Kohli wrote:
"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," he reflected.
Kohli admitted that the decision to step away wasn’t easy, but emphasized that it was the right time.
“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.”
Signing off his message with pride and nostalgia, Kohli concluded:
"I'LL ALWAYS LOOK BACK AT MY TEST CAREER WITH A SMILE. '#269, signing off."
A Career Etched in History
Kohli ends his Test career with 123 matches under his belt and a staggering 9,230 runs, having led India to historic overseas wins and holding the record for most Test centuries by an Indian captain. His final appearance in whites came earlier this year during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.
Football Giants Manchester City and Bayern Munich Pay Tribute
The impact of Kohli’s retirement was not limited to just the cricketing world. His global stature as a sports icon drew reactions from various quarters, including two of Europe’s most prestigious football clubs — Manchester City and Bayern Munich.
Soon after the announcement, Manchester City shared a post on X (formerly Twitter), featuring Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma holding up customised City jerseys with their names on the back. The club captioned the photo:
"All the best in your retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli."
Bayern Munich followed suit with their own tribute, posting a photo of Kohli alongside star striker Harry Kane, accompanied by a congratulatory message:
“All the best in your retirement from Test cricket. Congratulations on an absolutely legendary career, Virat Kohli.”
Legacy Beyond Borders
From the cricket grounds of India to the football clubs of Europe, the respect and admiration for Virat Kohli's Test journey reflect his immense influence — not just as a cricketer, but as a global sporting ambassador. As the No. 269 Test player for India signs off from the whites, the world stands united in celebration of a truly legendary career.
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