May 12, 2025: Cricketing icon Virat Kohli stunned fans on Monday by announcing his retirement from Test cricket, ending a glorious 14-year journey in the longest format of the game.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket: A Legacy Etched in Grit, Glory, and Greatness
In an emotional Instagram post, Kohli reflected on his time in whites, calling it a journey that “tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
He wrote, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket… I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude… #269, signing off. 🇮🇳❤️”
Soon after his announcement, tributes poured in from across the country, including heartfelt messages from Bollywood stars.
Ranveer Singh took to the comments section of Virat’s post and called him “One in a Billion! 👑 Go well, King! ♥️🧿🙌🏽”
Vicky Kaushal shared the announcement on his Instagram Stories, writing, “You did it your way and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations on an incredibly inspiring test career and thank you for the memories, Champ!” followed by crown and white heart emojis.
Suniel Shetty expressed his admiration on X (formerly Twitter): “You didn’t just play Test cricket Virat…You lived it. You honoured it, breathed fire, wore your heart on your sleeve and your passion like armour. The roar. The grit. The obsession. The Heart. Take a bow, champ. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on.”
Varun Dhawan shared trending reels on King Kohli, which reflects his global appeal. Take a look:
Kohli’s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era. With over 8,000 runs, 29 centuries, and an unmatched intensity on the field, the former India captain redefined the role of a modern Test cricketer.
While he continues to play limited-overs cricket, Kohli’s absence from the red-ball format will be deeply felt. However, as his supporters in both the cricketing world and the entertainment industry have made clear — his impact will endure for generations.