“Test Cricket Won’t Be the Same”: Ishant Sharma, Siraj Pay Emotional Tributes To Virat Kohli Post Retirement

---

May 12, 2025: Following Virat Kohli’s announcement of retirement from Test cricket, Indian pacers Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Siraj joined the chorus of tributes for the legendary batter, hailing his impact on Indian cricket and their personal journeys.

Virat, who debuted in 2011 and played 123 Tests, ended his 14-year-long red-ball career on Monday, just ahead of India’s Test series against England and the start of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Ishant Sharma: “You Played With Heart, Hunger and Honour”

Long-time teammate and close friend Ishant Sharma took to X (formerly Twitter), reflecting on the legacy Virat leaves behind in the longest format of the game.

“Your journey will inspire countless players on how to play this game the right way — with heart, hunger, and honour. Test cricket won’t be the same without you, Virat. Grateful to have shared so many moments together,” Ishant wrote.

Mohammed Siraj: “To My Superhero”

Current Indian pace spearhead Mohammed Siraj also shared an emotional note on Instagram, calling Kohli his “superhero” and expressing gratitude for the guidance and support he received from the former skipper.

“To my superhero, congratulations on this wonderful career you had in Test cricket. Your legacy will stay forever. You have inspired generations of cricketers like me… Dressing room won’t be the same without you,” Siraj posted, adding a heartfelt thank-you for Kohli’s backing.

Kohli’s Test Career at a Glance

• Matches: 123
• Runs: 9,230
• Average: 46.85
• Centuries: 30
• Fifties: 31
• Highest Score: 254*
• Ranking: Fourth-highest Test run-scorer for India, behind Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar

Kohli made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies and scored his maiden century in Adelaide (2012). His most prolific phase came between 2016 and 2019, when he averaged 66.79 and scored seven double centuries, a record for Test captains.

Despite a dip in form in the 2020s, Kohli’s comeback in 2023 showed glimpses of his prime, with 671 runs in eight Tests at an average of 55.91. His final century came at Perth during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year.

As he steps away from Test cricket, Kohli leaves behind an enduring legacy defined by grit, aggression, consistency, and an unyielding passion for the game.

---