Virat Kohli's TEST retirement: B-Town celebs, sports fraternity and others pay their tribute to the KING

Indian cricket fans were hit by a wave of emotions as one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket. With a heartfelt note shared on social media, Kohli brought an end to a glorious 14-year journey in whites, leaving behind a legacy etched in grit, passion, and unparalleled intensity.

Taking to his official Instagram handle, Kohli wrote, “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. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy but it feels right. 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 for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”

His post, filled with emotional undertones, sparked an outpouring of love, admiration, and nostalgia from across the world. Not just fans, but members of the film industry and sporting fraternity came forward to pay tribute to Kohli’s remarkable journey.

Bollywood actor Vicky Kaushal re-shared Kohli’s post on his Instagram story and wrote, “You did it your way and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations to an incredibly inspiring test career and thank you for the memories Champ! @virat.kohli,” adding a crown, white-heart, and clap emoji. Fellow actor Varun Dhawan, a known cricket enthusiast, posted a series of stories expressing how Test cricket will never be the same without Kohli.

Veteran actor Suniel Shetty also paid a poignant tribute with a heartfelt message: “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 is like armour. The roar. The grit. The obsession. The Heart. Take a bow, champ. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on.”

Ranveer Singh, another ardent admirer of the cricketer, commented on Kohli’s post: “One in a Billion! Go well, King!” adding red heart, nazar amulet, and raised hands emojis. Huma Qureshi and Gajraj Rao also shared their love with red-heart emojis on his retirement post.

Among the cricketing legends, none other than Sachin Tendulkar penned an emotional note, recalling a touching moment from over a decade ago. "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 may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players."

South African legend and close friend AB de Villiers, known for his camaraderie with Kohli, posted, “Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!”

Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who made his Test debut under Kohli’s captaincy, wrote, “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. Congratulations on a remarkable journey in whites @virat.kohli.”

Yuvraj Singh, another stalwart of Indian cricket, shared on Instagram Stories, “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!”

Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant wrote, “The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.”

Virender Sehwag shared his admiration, saying, “Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time I saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best of times ahead in One Day Cricket @imvkohli.”

Mayank Agarwal, who debuted under Kohli's leadership in 2018, posted a heartfelt message: “Unmatched passion, unmatched energy, and a fight that was awe-inspiring. Test cricket had a heartbeat, and it was you, @imVkohli. From my debut to series wins and double hundreds, the memories created on the field will always be special. And the conversations and the time spent off it will be truly cherished. Thank you for everything, Skips 🪬 You will be missed.”

Jay Shah, Secretary of the BCCI, also paid his respects: “Congratulations @imVkohli on a stellar Test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment. Your speech at the Lord’s said it all - you played Tests with heart, grit, and pride.”

India head coach Gautam Gambhir, once Kohli’s on-field rival and now a mentor, reflected on their shared journey: “Kohli has a lion's passion and we will miss the ‘Cheeku’ of Indian cricket.” Gambhir and Kohli had their fair share of differences during IPL seasons, but under Gambhir's current leadership, their relationship evolved into mutual respect.

Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli’s long-time deputy, shared a poignant message: “It has been a special journey sharing the field with you. So many great memories and partnerships together. Congratulations on an amazing Test career.”

Even overseas cricket stars reacted with disbelief and emotion. Former England captain Kevin Pietersen, now mentoring the Delhi Capitals, couldn’t hide his surprise. He reacted with several shocked emojis, making it clear he wasn't ready for the news of Kohli’s retirement.

Kohli’s decision has come at a time when Test cricket continues to fight for its identity in the T20-dominated era. And yet, here was a man who never let the flame of the red-ball format die. His legacy in whites is one of resurrection — of taking Indian cricket to new heights, redefining fitness standards, embracing overseas challenges, and making India a dominant Test force.

From a brash youngster to one of the most respected Test captains and batsmen of this era, Virat Kohli has left an indelible mark. As the cricketing world soaks in the reality of his decision, one thing is clear: Test cricket may go on, but it will forever miss the roar, the intensity, and the charisma of Virat Kohli. And we still have the IPLs and the ODI series to look out for and see the king smash his bat.

King Kohli may have hung up his whites, but his legend will inspire generations. The red ball rests, indeed, but the legacy marches on.