Is This the End of an Era? Tributes to Virat Kohli as He Retires from Test Cricket

New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) The cricket community expressed heartfelt tributes to the iconic Indian batsman Virat Kohli after he announced his retirement from Test cricket, concluding a remarkable journey with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, which includes an impressive 30 centuries and 31 fifties.

Kohli made his retirement public on Monday through an Instagram update. "It’s been 14 years since I first donned the baggy blue in Test cricket... There’s something profoundly personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the subtle moments that go unnoticed but remain etched in your memory. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve poured my heart into this game, and it has given me so much more than I could ever have imagined."

"I’m departing with a heart filled with gratitude — for the game, for my teammates, and for everyone who recognized my efforts along this journey. I will always cherish my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off," he wrote.

"Whites off, crown intact, Virat Kohli bids farewell to Test cricket, leaving behind a legacy like no other," the International Cricket Council shared on Instagram.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India applauded Kohli for his exceptional career, stating that while an era of Test cricket concludes with his retirement, his legacy will remain eternal.

"Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era concludes in Test cricket, but your legacy will endure FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. Your contributions to #TeamIndia will always be cherished!" it stated on X.

Virat's IPL team, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, expressed their sorrow with a broken heart emoji on X, stating, "Thank You, Virat. #269 Test Cricket will never be the same again!"

Former Indian cricketer and Kohli's teammate during the 2011 World Cup, Suresh Raina, remarked, "Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Much love and respect @imVkohli. It’s heartbreaking to see you step away, but your legacy will persist."

Former all-rounder Yusuf Pathan tweeted, "Congratulations to Virat Kohli on a remarkable Test career. Thank you for all the unforgettable moments in whites. Wishing you all the best for what lies ahead."

The Mumbai Cricket Association also recognized Kohli as one of the greatest players to wear the whites. "End of an Era. Thank You, King Kohli. One of the greatest to ever wear whites has concluded his Test journey," they posted on X.

Chennai Super Kings added, "A career that embodies Test cricket's spirit! Thank You, Virat Kohli!" Punjab Kings echoed, "Cap 269 Memories Infinite Thank You Kohli!"

"Congratulations on an outstanding Test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn’t just win games—you transformed mindsets. You set new standards for fitness, aggression, and pride in whites. A true pioneer of modern Indian Test cricket," shared former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.

"@imVkohli Thank you, Champ, for the incredible memories for India. Congratulations on a fantastic Career in #TestCricket," said former cricketer Munaf Patel.

Kohli's decision comes shortly after Rohit Sharma's surprising announcement to retire from the longest format of the game last week.

He concluded his career as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, trailing Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).

Kohli’s 30 Test centuries position him as the fourth-most successful Indian batsman, behind Sachin Tendulkar (51 hundreds), Rahul Dravid (36), and Sunil Gavaskar (34). He has also recorded seven Test double hundreds, the highest by any Indian.

Furthermore, Kohli holds the record for the most Test centuries by an Indian captain, with Gavaskar (11 centuries) far behind his 20 tons.