In a move that left cricket fans across the globe stunned, Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday with immediate effect. The decision to step away from the long format cricket has evoked tributes not just from fans, but also from Bollywood celebrities.
Among many celebs Suniel Shetty, penned a note on for Virat Kohli on Instagram stories “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 @virat.kohli.” he wrote.
Vicky Kaushal, also expressed admiration for the former Test captain’s journey “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! @virat.kohli”.
Varun Dhawan shared a video labelling his retirement a huge loss for Indian cricket with Kohli’s Test retirement.
Actress Neha Dhupia called the Kohli’s decision of retirement “personal.”
Dhupia’s husband, actor Angad Bedi, wrote a heartfelt message lovingly calling Kohli “Cheekoo.” “Go well my brother and thank you for the memories.. the tears.. the sweat and blood you have put in.. wished to see the 269 test cap go from the field.. test cricket will never be the same. I have a lump in my throat as i write this.. but you have set the bar way too high for someone to carry your legacy forward. Been wonderful to have known you personally.. and to have followed your career soo closely. God bless the KING @virat.kohli .Stay well my cheekoo.. love to the family. Waheguru chardikala vich rakhe humesha, love and prayers angad bedi.”
Kohli’s wife and actress Anushka Sharma took to social media to share a heartfelt message, praising his remarkable journey in the format and the emotional toll it took on him over the years.
In her heartfelt caption 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.
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”
Kohli made the announcement ahead of India’s Test series against England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. He shared the news through a statement on his Instagram account. He expressed his gratitude towards the format and mentioned that this was the right time to walk away.
Also Read: Anushka Sharma Walks Hand-In-Hand With Virat Kohli Before His Test Cricket Goodbye
