Wishes pour in as Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket
What's the story
In a surprising turn of events, veteran Indian batter Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. The announcement comes just days before India's five-match Test series in England, starting June 20. One of India's most successful Test batters, Kohli followed in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma, who bid adieu to the format a few days ago. Here are the top reactions.
BCCI
BCCI acknowledges Kohli's contributions
Soon after Kohli's announcement, reactions from the cricketing world began pouring in. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) acknowledged the veteran batter's contribution on X, writing, "An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli , the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!"
Twitter Post
Kohli, Rohit leave rich legacy behind
𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬. 🇮🇳
— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) May 12, 2025
First T20, now Test Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli retire together.
Two icons. One unforgettable era.
Indian cricket will be grateful for the legacy you both leave behind.#ViratKohli | #RohitSharma | #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/AM4zTcVjbZ
Aakash Chopra
Test Cricket will be poorer in your absence: Aakash Chopra
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra highlighted how Kohli actively promoted Test cricket. "Numbers will not define Kohli's Test legacy. They're just a small fraction of what he did in/for the format. Virat, you made a whole generation fall in love with Test cricket again. Thank You for your contribution. Test Cricket will be poorer in your absence," he wrote on X.
Twitter Post
Torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket, says Irfan Pathan
Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.#ThankYouVirat pic.twitter.com/rvFAulcMSQ
ABD
De Villiers congratulates Kohli
Legend AB de Villiers, who led Royal Challengers Bengaluru to several momentous wins in the Indian Premier League, also congratulated his long-time batting partner. "Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend," the former Proteas batter wrote on X. The camaraderie of de Villiers and Kohli in eminent.
Twitter Post
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir honors Kohli
A man with lion’s passion!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6
Twitter Post
'You have my deepest admiration': Sachin Tendulkar
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… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
Twitter Post
'You gave it everything,' says Yuvraj Singh
Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you've done in whites. Go well King Kohli! @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/ydJBA9W1I8
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 12, 2025
Twitter Post
Modern-day giant: Ravi Shastri
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… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025