A Farewell to the King: Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement
On May 12, 2025, the cricketing world paused as Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of Indian Test cricket, announced his retirement from the longest format. For 14 years, he donned the whites, carried the hopes of a billion, and redefined what it meant to be a Test cricketer. His journey, marked by 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an unmatched passion, came to an emotional close, leaving fans, teammates, and opponents in awe of his legacy. This blog is a tribute to the man who made Test cricket a spectacle, with heartfelt quotes from cricketers who celebrated his extraordinary career.
Virat Kohli Announces Retirement : The End of an Era
Virat Kohli’s Test career wasn’t just about numbers; it was about heart. From his debut in 2011 against the West Indies to his final series in Australia, he embodied resilience. His 123 Tests, 68 as captain, saw India rise to unparalleled heights, including a historic series win in Australia in 2018-19. But beyond the stats, it was his intensity, his fire, and his love for the grind of Test cricket that inspired a generation. As he steps away, the void feels insurmountable, yet his legacy shines brighter than ever.
“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.” – Virat Kohli
A Leader Who Redefined Indian Cricket
Kohli’s captaincy was a revolution. With 40 wins in 68 Tests, he became India’s most successful Test captain, transforming the team into a fearless unit that dominated at home and conquered abroad. His fitness regime, aggressive mindset, and unwavering belief in Test cricket’s sanctity kept the format alive in an era dominated by T20s. Cricketers across the globe paid tribute to this transformative leader.
“A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks…” – Gautam Gambhir
“As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.” – Yashasvi Jaiswal
Tributes from the Cricketing Fraternity
Kohli’s retirement sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, prompting an outpouring of love and admiration. From legends to teammates, everyone had a story, a memory, or a moment that defined Kohli’s greatness. Here are some of the most heartfelt quotes from cricketers who honored the King:
Sachin Tendulkar: A Bond Beyond the Crease
Sachin Tendulkar, the god of Indian cricket, shared a deeply personal memory, highlighting Kohli’s humility and impact.
“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. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport.” – Sachin Tendulkar
Yuvraj Singh: The Fighter in Whites
Yuvraj Singh, who witnessed Kohli’s rise, celebrated his relentless spirit.
“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!” – Yuvraj Singh
Jasprit Bumrah: A Debut Under the King
Jasprit Bumrah, who debuted under Kohli’s captaincy, spoke of his unmatched legacy.
“From making my Test debut under your captaincy to reaching new heights together for our country, your passion and energy will be missed but the legacy you leave behind remains unmatched.” – Jasprit Bumrah
Cheteshwar Pujara: A Partner in the Trenches
Cheteshwar Pujara, Kohli’s long-time batting partner, cherished their shared battles.
“Congratulations, Virat, on a Test career you can be incredibly proud of! Your passion for the format was inspiring…and it was an honour to share the crease with you over the years, in the heat of many-a-battle, grinding it out for the country!” – Cheteshwar Pujara
Rishabh Pant: The Intensity That Inspired
Rishabh Pant, a product of Kohli’s aggressive era, hailed his unrelenting drive.
“The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what’s ahead, @imVkohli bhai.” – Rishabh Pant
Virender Sehwag: A Special Talent
Virender Sehwag, who saw Kohli’s early days, knew he was destined for greatness.
“Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time I saw you, knew that you were special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch.” – Virender Sehwag
AB de Villiers: A Brother in Arms
AB de Villiers, Kohli’s close friend and RCB teammate, shared a heartfelt tribute.
“Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career!” – AB de Villiers
Harbhajan Singh: A Question of Timing
Harbhajan Singh, while emotional, questioned the suddenness of the decision.
“Why Retired? @imVkohli” – Harbhajan Singh
Anil Kumble: A True Ambassador
Anil Kumble praised Kohli’s role in elevating Indian cricket.
“Congratulations on a great test career Virat Kohli! Your energy, belief and pride lifted the team. You’ve been a true ambassador of the game…” – Anil Kumble
Mohammad Kaif: Test Cricket’s Loss
Mohammad Kaif captured the sentiment of millions.
“Virat Kohli… Test cricket will miss you more than you will miss Test cricket.” – Mohammad Kaif
Ravi Shastri: In Disbelief
Ravi Shastri, Kohli’s former coach, struggled to accept the news.
“Can’t believe you are done.” – Ravi Shastri
Shikhar Dhawan: From Banter to Legend
Shikhar Dhawan reflected on their journey together.
“What an amazing Test career you’ve had, Virat Kohli! From sharing dressing room banter in our early cricketing days to watching you grow as a legend and the best batsman in the world.” – Shikhar Dhawan
Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Dream Moment
Youngster Nitish Kumar Reddy recalled a cherished memory.
“I was overwhelmed with joy when I found out that my idol, the very one I grew up watching dominate in whites for the country, would be the one to hand me my Test cap. The energy. The passion. The warmth. The fight. You showed it all in this format.” – Nitish Kumar Reddy
Irfan Pathan: A Torchbearer
Irfan Pathan lauded Kohli’s transformative influence.
“You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard. A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.” – Irfan Pathan
Chris Woakes: A Fierce Competitor
England’s Chris Woakes acknowledged Kohli’s competitive spirit.
“He’s a giant of the game & been at the peak of the Indian team. We’ve had some great battles & one of the most competitive players you’ll come up against.” – Chris Woakes
A Legacy That Lives On
Kohli’s retirement isn’t just the end of a career; it’s the closing of a chapter that redefined Indian cricket. His cover drives, his fiery celebrations, and his relentless pursuit of excellence will echo in stadiums forever. As he walks away, he leaves behind a generation of cricketers inspired to chase greatness, just as he did. The whites may be off, but the crown remains firmly intact.
“Whites off, crown intact 👑” – ICC
A Heartfelt Goodbye
To Virat Kohli, thank you for the memories, the tears, and the triumphs. You didn’t just play Test cricket; you lived it. As you move forward to conquer ODIs and the IPL, know that the cricketing world will always cherish the boy from Delhi who became a global icon. Your Test journey may have ended, but your story is far from over.
“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.” – Virat Kohli
