There are some goodbyes that hit harder than others. And when Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of Indian Test cricket for over a decade, announced his retirement from the red-ball format, fans, players, and rivals alike felt the weight of the moment.
After 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, and 30 centuries, Kohli has decided to call time on his unforgettable Test journey. And as you’d expect, the cricketing world is pausing to salute the man who redefined passion in whites.
One of the most touching messages came from an unexpected yet familiar name — Shahid Afridi. The former Pakistan skipper, known for his aggressive brand of cricket and occasional fiery takes, dropped all rivalry to shower Kohli with praise.
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“Congratulations on a remarkable career, Virat Kohli. Your passion, intensity and professionalism set new standards in Test cricket. The purist format will miss your presence and competitive spirit,” Afridi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
And he’s not wrong. Whether you cheered for him or against him, there was never a dull moment when Kohli was in the middle — eyes blazing, heart on sleeve, chasing excellence like it owed him something.
A Legacy Etched in Red
Let’s take a moment to reflect on the numbers: 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, 30 tons, and a staggering average of over 48.
But numbers alone don’t do justice to Kohli’s Test career. His real impact? The revival of intensity and fitness culture, the aggression overseas, and the belief that India could win anywhere, not just at home.
As captain, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, winning 40 of them — a record for any Indian skipper. He didn’t just play; he changed the way Indian cricket approached the longest format.
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Test Cricket ‘Shaped’ Virat Kohli
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Virat Kohli shared what Test cricket meant to him. And it wasn’t just another format — it was his classroom, his battlefield, and his greatest teacher.
“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.”
That raw emotion? That’s vintage Kohli. Never afraid to feel, never afraid to express.
The Sunset of a Generation?
Kohli’s retirement comes right after Rohit Sharma stepped away from Test cricket too, signalling the end of a golden chapter for Indian cricket.
With both giants moving on, the baton now passes to a younger generation — talented, yes, but untested in the harsh grind of red-ball cricket.
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