Virat, Anushka Seeks Blessings from Premanand Maharaj in Vrindavan Post Test Retirement

May 13, 2025: In a move that has left the cricketing world in shock and admiration, Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. The 36-year-old, who has been an iconic figure in world cricket for over a decade, made this decision after an illustrious career spanning 123 Test matches. Kohli’s career has seen him amass 9,230 runs at an average of 46, with 30 centuries to his name.

Also Read: WTC Final Squad Announced as Australia Prepares for Battle While IPL 2025 Hangs in Limbo

Kohli’s decision to step away from the longest format of the game comes after his earlier retirement from T20 Internationals in 2024. Despite his remarkable career, Kohli revealed in an emotional post on Instagram that it was a difficult but right decision, sharing his gratitude to the game and his fans. He wrote, “It is not easy when I am going away from this format of the game. But it feels right. I have given it my all, and it has given me more than my expectations.“

Kohli and Anushka Sharma Visit Vrindavan

Following his announcement, Virat Kohli took a spiritual journey to Vrindavan along with his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, to seek blessings from Premanand Maharaj at the Kelly Kunj Ashram. This marks Kohli’s third visit to the ashram, following visits on January 4, 2023 and January 10, 2025.

In widely shared videos from previous visits, Premanand Maharaj has been seen commending Anushka Sharma for helping Kohli stay grounded and devoted, despite his fame and success. In a recent post, Kohli expressed his mixed feelings about his retirement, sharing how it was difficult to move away from the format but how fulfilling it had been to give his all to Test cricket over the years.

Anushka Sharma’s Emotional Tribute to Kohli

Anushka Sharma, in her Instagram post, expressed her pride and admiration for her husband. She wrote a heartfelt message about Kohli’s dedication to Test cricket, saying, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones – but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler, and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.”

Also Read: Virat Kohli’s Departure Leaves Test Arena ‘Quiet and Empty’, Says Pakistan Legend

Her words resonated with fans as they highlighted the emotional journey Kohli has had throughout his career, a journey marked by both personal and professional growth.

Kohli’s Legacy in Test Cricket

Virat Kohli’s retirement follows a series of high-profile retirements from Test cricket by senior Indian players, including Ravichandran Ashwin in December and Rohit Sharma just last week. Under Kohli’s leadership, India achieved remarkable success in Test cricket, winning 40 out of 68 Tests. His leadership saw India becoming a force to reckon with on foreign soil, with significant victories across continents.

Kohli, known for his aggression and youthful energy, has left an indelible mark on Test cricket. His ability to remain at the top of his game for over a decade is a testament to his dedication, and his departure from the format marks the end of an era for Indian cricket.

Looking Ahead

As Kohli transitions to a new chapter in his career, fans and experts alike will continue to reflect on his unparalleled achievements. While Kohli will no longer represent India in Test cricket, his legacy as one of the greatest to have played the format will continue to inspire generations of cricketers.

The cricketing world now eagerly anticipates what the future holds for Kohli, but one thing is certain—his impact on the game of Test cricket is immeasurable