On Monday, May 12, Virat Kohli, one of the modern greats of Indian cricket, announced his retirement from Test cricket through an Instagram post. Soon after his announcement, tributes started pouring in from around the cricket world. Many current and former players praised his amazing career and wished him well for the future.
Virat Kohli Announces Test Retirement on Instagram
For the past few days, there were strong rumors about Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, with reports suggesting he had already informed the BCCI of his decision. The BCCI reportedly tried to convince Kohli to change his mind and join the team for the important five-match Test series in England, but he chose not to.
Shubman Gill Pays Tribute to His Mentor
A few hours after the announcement, Kohli’s teammate Shubman Gill shared a heartfelt tribute on social media. He spoke about the huge influence Kohli had on him and said he hopes to carry forward his passion and dedication.
“Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me. From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can – you’ve not just inspired a generation, you’ve reshaped the mindset of millions.
“I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment. Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @virat.kohli paji.”
Check out the Tweet:
Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me.
From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can… pic.twitter.com/s6LhnPWbNK
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) May 12, 2025
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Mohammed Siraj’s Emotional Message for Kohli
Virat Kohli’s teammate, Mohammed Siraj, who deeply admires the legendary batter, shared an emotional message after Kohli’s retirement. In his post, Siraj called Kohli his “superhero” and said the Indian dressing room won’t feel the same without him. He added:
“To my superhero, Congratulations on this wonderful career you had in test cricket. Your legacy will stay forever.
“You have inspired generations of cricketers like me and will continue to do so with your achievements and how you have carried yourself bhaiya. Dressing room won’t be the same without you. Thank you for always backing me and motivating me to do well. Wish you the best. King WWW @virat.kohli Bhaiya.”
Check out the post:
View this post on Instagram
Yuvraj Singh Wishes Virat Kohli for His Next Chapter
Yuvraj Singh also posted a message for Virat Kohli on X, praising him for playing like a true great throughout his career and wishing him all the best for the future. He wrote:
“Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you’ve done in whites. Go well King Kohli! @imVkohli.”
Check out the tweet:
Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you've done in whites. Go well King Kohli! @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/ydJBA9W1I8
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 12, 2025
Ravi Shastri Reflects on a Glorious Partnership
Former India coach Ravi Shastri was shocked by Virat Kohli’s Test retirement. Shastri, who coached the team from 2017 to 2022, shared many historic moments with Kohli, including India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia and a rise to the No.1 Test ranking. Together, they played 40 Tests, winning 23 and drawing four. Under their leadership, India also reached the first World Test Championship final in 2021.
Reacting to Kohli’s retirement, Shastri wrote:
“Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ. God bless,” Shastri wrote for Virat Kohli on his social media handle.
Check out the Tweet:
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Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025
Tendulkar Recalls a Special Gesture from Virat Kohli
Sachin Tendulkar remembered a touching moment from his retirement when Virat Kohli gave him a sacred thread that belonged to Kohli’s late father. The cricket legend said that while he won’t give a thread in return, he offers Kohli his deepest admiration and best wishes.
Posting on his Twitter account, Tendulkar said:
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since.
“While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport.”
He added:
“What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.”
Tributes Pour In From the Cricket World
Check out the Tweet:
As you retire from Tests, I'm reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
Check out how other cricketers and sportspersons reacted to the big news:
Happy red ball retirement to one of the games greatest! @imVkohli
The example and standards you set were always of the highest order!— Mickey Arthur (@Mickeyarthurcr1) May 12, 2025
All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) May 12, 2025
https://x.com/KP24/status/1921819989226459182
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
Hats of to this two legendary gentleman for their great contributions in whites and has inspired millions of people 😇✊✊✊
Congrats and happy retirement from test cricket 🙏👊👊👊 pic.twitter.com/oJayWYw5W9— Mushfiqur Rahim (@mushfiqur15) May 12, 2025
A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Thank you Virat 🙏🙏
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) May 12, 2025
Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli. 🙏🙏🙏
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) May 12, 2025
I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/tOdzaz2wej
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 12, 2025
Numbers will not define Kohli’s Test legacy. They’re just a small fraction of what he did in/for the format.
Virat, you made a whole generation fall in love with Test cricket again. Thank You for your contribution.
Test Cricket will be poorer in your absence. 🙌— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 12, 2025
Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.
Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025
Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli.
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— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 12, 2025
