Did Suniel Shetty Just Bid an Emotional Farewell to Virat Kohli?

Synopsis
In a heartfelt tribute, Bollywood’s <b>Suniel Shetty</b> honors <b>Virat Kohli</b> as he announces his retirement from Test cricket. Reflecting on his legacy, Suniel captures the essence of a cricketer who lived the sport passionately. Discover the emotional farewell and what it means for Indian cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Suniel Shetty pays tribute to Virat Kohli.
- Kohli announces retirement after 14 years of Test cricket.
- His legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
- Emotional farewell highlights his contributions to the sport.
- The transition marks a new era for Indian cricket.
Mumbai, May 12 (NationPress) Bollywood star Suniel Shetty is paying tribute to Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli following his announcement to retire from the Test format.
On Monday, Suniel shared an emotional message on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, honoring Virat, who stands as one of India's cricket greats.
Alongside a photo of Virat celebrating a century from a previous match, the actor expressed, “You didn’t just play Test cricket, Virat… You lived it. You honored it, radiated passion, and wore your heart on your sleeve like armor. The roar. The determination. The obsession. The heart. Take a bow, champ. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on. @imVkohli”.
Suniel’s son-in-law KL Rahul plays alongside Virat in the Indian team, where they have participated in all formats together.
In an unexpected turn, Virat revealed his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Through his Instagram account, he remarked, “It’s been 14 years since I first donned the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never anticipated the journey this format would take me on. It has challenged me, molded me, and imparted lessons I will cherish for life. There’s something profoundly personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the subtle moments that go unnoticed yet remain forever etched in memory. Stepping away from this format is tough — but it feels right.”
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into it, and it has given me far more than I could have ever wished for. I leave with a heart brimming with gratitude — for the game, for my teammates, and for everyone who acknowledged my efforts along the way. I will always look back on my Test career with fondness. #269, signing off,” he concluded.
Virat Kohli made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2008. Before that, he showcased his talent as the captain of the Indian under-19 national team, leading them to victory in the Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup that same year.
He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2011 and is recognized as one of the most successful captains of the Indian Test cricket team. His last appearance in Test cricket was against Australia on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Kohli's retirement follows that of his teammate and fellow batting legend, Rohit Sharma.