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When the 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar retired from Test cricket, it was the end of an era. Many wondered who will carry forward his legacy? Then, Virat Kohli emerged as a batter who brought revolution to Test cricket which kept the longest format alive and audiences glued to the screen. As Kohli retires from Test cricket, Tendulkar recalled when the Delhi-born batter offered to gift him a thread from his late father. Tendulkar hailed Kohli for giving him something which was so personal.
"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 heartwarming 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," Tendulkar wrote in a message on X.
Tendulkar inspired young cricketers to pick up the sport. The highest run-scorer in the history of the game in international cricket said the same for the 36-year-old.
"Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport," the 52-year-old added.
"What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players.
"Congratulations on a very special Test career."
Since Tendulkar's retirement, Kohli has scored 7,995 runs from 103 Tests at an average of 47.87, including 26 centuries and 24 fifties. Kohli retired with 9,230 Test runs to his name. He could not fulfill his wish to score 10,000 Test runs. On his last tour of Australia, he scored 190 runs from eight innings, including solitary century at Perth Stadium.
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