 "Virat Kohli announced retirement from Test cricket ahead of the new WTC cycle. Image: Reuters")
Indian superstar Virat Kohli shocked the cricket world on Monday by announcing his retirement from Test cricket . Kohli took to his official Instagram handle to share the news of his retirement with his friends and followers. Reactions poured in from all over the world to congratulate Kohli on his amazing Test career.
The 36-year-old received a lot of love and praise from people around the globe after his decision to retire. Meanwhile, media from countries like England, Australia, and even the USA reacted to the news. The New York Times even published a tribute article with a powerful headline: “Virat Kohli made one billion Indians dream again and helped save Test cricket.”
The article beautifully described Kohli at the crease, “Eyes focused, collar turned up, an armband on the left and an armband tattoo on the right, the iconic wrist-twirl of the bat. Virat Kohli, the world’s most famous cricketer, at the crease in whites, brought balance, poise and ferocity — a sight to behold unless you were in the opposition XI.”
Mike Atherton: The end of an era in Indian cricket
From the UK, The Times London published a piece by former England captain Mike Atherton, who lauded Kohli as “one of the most charismatic and influential players of my lifetime.” He further compared Kohli’s charisma with that of Viv Richards, Imran Khan, and Shane Warne.
“Farewell then to Test cricket for one of the best, most charismatic and influential players of my lifetime. Virat Kohli’s retirement from the five-day game was anticipated, with reports emanating from India about his intentions late last week, but that does not lessen the magnitude of the moment: the going of a figure who continued to hold Test cricket dearest of all, and to fight his country’s corner with relentless determination and pride, signals the end of an era in Indian cricket,” Atherton wrote.
Greg Chappell: There has never been another quite like him
The Sydney Morning Herald published an article by former Australia captain and Indian coach Greg Chappell with the headline, “Kohli was the face of the new bold and brash India.”
“Kohli, the incandescent heart of Indian cricket for more than a decade, did not just score runs. He redefined expectations, challenged conventions, and symbolised the self-assured, unapologetic India of the 21st century. His departure leaves not only a statistical void, but a seismic shift in energy – for there has never been another quite like him,” Chappell wrote.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsKohli is considered one of the biggest sporting icons in the world, at par with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He has over 272 million followers on Instagram and remains one of the most followed athletes on social media. He has retired from Test cricket as India’s most successful captain with 40 wins in 68 matches.
Kohli will now only be seen in 50-over cricket for India, having already hung up his boots in T20Is last year. Kohli’s retirement was even more shocking because it came right before the start of the new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. India are scheduled to play against England in a five-match series starting 24 June.
However, Kohli is expected to continue his IPL journey for a couple more years and Indian fans will have the opportunity to keep seeing him. He will be seen in action for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) once the IPL 2025 resumes.