Home
In the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar trophy, there is much talk about Virat Kohli's contribution to Test cricket, a format which was struggling with T20s growing leaps and bounds. Plenty of former England cricketers noted that Kohli was a crowd puller in whites, something which is rare in modern-day cricket. As Kohli announced his retirement before India's squad announcement for England tour, there were speculations related to the circumstances that led to the 36-year-old's decision. On July 8, at the gala dinner for YouWeCan Foundation, hosted by Yuvraj Singh, Kohli made a witty remark on his Test retirement when Gaurav Kapoor said that people miss seeing him on the field.
"I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are colouring your beard every four days," said Kohli.
Kohli and former India head coach Ravi Shastri were present alongside other legends of the game including Sachin Tendulkar, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Lara, Ashish Nehra. The entire Indian Test team, support staff and head coach Gautam Gambhir were in attendance as well.
ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic reacts to Virat Kohli’s touching words of support amid ongoing Wimbledon campaign
Kohli thanked Shastri for backing his decisions and helping him counter questions in the press conferences. He feels his Test cricket career wouldn't have been the same without Shastri's support.
"Honestly, if I wasn't working with him... what happened in Test cricket wouldn't have been possible. The clarity which we had together is very hard to find. It's everything for cricketers to grow in their careers. Even he hadn't backed me the way he did... those press conferences where he took the bullets from the front line. Things would have been different and I always have respect and regard for him, for being a massive part of my cricketing journey," said Kohli, with gratitude in his voice.
Kohli on seniors helping in dressing room and Yuvraj-Dhoni's rescue act
Kohli also opened up about the support he got as a youngster in the Indian dressing room from Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan. He revealed how shocked he was when he learned that Yuvraj played the World Cup while battling the cancer. He also recalled what KL Rahul told him when Yuvraj and MS Dhoni rescued the Indian team from a collapse with centuries against England in an ODI match.
"We shared a very good bond both on and off the field. I met him for the first time during a North Zone tournament in Bangalore. When I started playing for India, him, bhajju pa and Zaheer Khan took me under their wings. Really helped me grow as a player, made me comfortable in the dressing room. Lot of fun times off the field and made me aware of the lifestyle of getting to the top. These are the bonds I would cherish for the rest of my life. Watching him in the World Cup was very special and what we got to know after that was a shock. Being so close to him... we had no idea. Then his battle with cancer and again the champion that he is... coming on top and making a comeback to the team when I was leading the team.
"I clearly remember we played a game against England in Cuttack. There was a 2017 series we played at home and top-order got out early and Yuvi pa got 150 I think and MS scored 110 or something. I still remember telling KL or someone that this is like childhood days watching on big tv... I have a lot of love and respect for him. It's a pleasure being here and I won't do it for any other person but him," the former India captain said.
Kohli was recently seen with his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma at Novak Djokovic's Round of 16 match at Wimbledon 2025. He has backed Djokovic to win the 25th Grand Slam.
ADVERTISEMENT
