Cricket world reacts as Virat Kohli bids farewell to test cricket
A globally popular sportsperson, Virat is also one of the most sought-after brand ambassadors and an entrepreneur.
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Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of the modern era, has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant chapter in Indian and global cricket. Known not only for his aggressive style of play and unmatched consistency but also for his leadership as former captain of the Indian Test team, Kohli's departure has left a deep impact on fans and fellow players alike.
The announcement has sparked an emotional wave across the cricketing fraternity and social media, with tributes pouring in from current players, legends of the game, and loyal fans. While many are praising his extraordinary achievements and contributions to Test cricket, others are visibly heartbroken, urging him to reconsider and return to the red-ball format. For many, Kohli’s retirement seems to fans like the end of an era.
These reactions came after Virat Kohli took to his Instagram handle and spoke about the end of his test cricket career.
Here are some reactions:
BCCI The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said 'Thank You, Virat Kohli', as fans rushed to like and comment on this post, expressing their surprise.
𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝘆𝗼𝘂, 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗮𝘁 𝗞𝗼𝗵𝗹𝗶! 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! 🫡🫡@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket.
His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished! 👏 👏 pic.twitter.com/MSe5KUtjep
Virat Kohli holds the record for leading India in most Test matches, captaining the team in 68 games.
— BCCI (@BCCI) May 12, 2025
With his bold leadership, India won 40 matches which is the highest by any Indian Test Captain 👏👏#TeamIndia | #ViratKohli | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/V3jDmaJtqk
Ambati Rayudu Cricketer Ambati Rayudu also took to the social media platform X to express his shock on Virat Kohli's decision to retire. He emphasised how the team needs him now. 'The Indian team needs you more than ever.' he said.
Virat Kohli please don’t retire.. The Indian team needs you more than ever. You have so much more in the tank. Test cricket will not be the same without you walking out to battle it out for Team India.. Please reconsider..
— ATR (@RayuduAmbati) May 10, 2025
Navjyot Singh Sidhu
In a video, Navjyot Singh Sidhu spoke about how Virat's decision has affected the world of cricket. "Virat Kohli’s decision — that he wants to retire — has created a stir across the cricketing world. His intention is right, his motive is noble — that 'the old order must change, yielding place to the new.' But the timing and occasion are not appropriate, because the pride and prestige of India are on the line,"
Kohli's intent noble...timing wrong - India will need his experience in England |
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) May 10, 2025
Watch Full Video - https://t.co/vKFon4XwEL @imVkohli @BCCI @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/LHx8T1S2Oj
Ab de Villiers Former South Ab de Villiers also took to his profile on X to congratulate Virat on his wonderful career. He called the former Indian skipper a 'legend' while posting a picture of him on the platform.
Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025
Harsha Bhogle Indian cricket commentator and journalist Harsha Bhogle took to his X handle and said that the game 'owes him big time' and that Kohli made cricket seem 'cool and aspirational'.
I would have liked to see #ViratKohli go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 12, 2025
Irfan Pathan Former player, cricket commentator and analyst Irfan Pathan was not far behind in speaking about Virat's decision. He summarised how integral Kohli was to the Indian cricket team, and that 'he set a new standard'.
Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025
As captain, you didn’t just win matches—you changed mindsets.
You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard.
A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket.#ThankYouVirat pic.twitter.com/rvFAulcMSQ
Virrender Sehwag Known to be one of the greatest batsman of his era, Virrender Sehwag, too, spoke about Virat Kohli. He said that Kohli brought a different intensity and his passion while playing was a joy to watch. He wished him good luck in his life ahead.
Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best… pic.twitter.com/JP9yxQnnWC
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 12, 2025
