Indian star cricketer Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The cricketer made the announcement with a heartfelt post on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself wearing India’s Test jersey. His announcement was met with an outpouring of heartwarming comments from fans and celebrities. His wife, actor Anushka Sharma, also showed her support and shared an emotional note, recounting the hardwork and tears that went behind Virat’s successful Test career.
She wrote, “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. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.”
She added, “Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye ❤️.”
Announcing his retirement, Virat admitted that while the decision to bid goodbye to Test cricket wasn’t an easy one, it was necessary. Sharing his thoughts and the emotions attached to playing for the country in whites, he 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.”
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Thanking his well-wishers, he continued, “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. 🇮🇳❤️.”
Several Bollywood celebrities also reacted to the news. Actor Aparshakti Khurana wrote, “I feel happy to be born in an era where we witnessed it inch by inch! Rabbbb Charhdiyaaaan Kalaaan ich rakhey! Always ❤️.” Divyenndu wrote, “Thank you for entertaining us King!! You have made us proud n how.. will definitely miss the intensity with which you played ! Farewell 🫡❤️”
Virat’s career in Test cricket spanned 14 years and 123 matches. Kohli’s retirement comes just a week after Rohit Sharma announced his own departure from Test cricket.