Anushka Sharma’s Heartfelt Farewell to Virat Kohli: ‘Tears You Never Showed’ Will Move You
In a moment that has tugged at the heartstrings of cricket fans worldwide, Anushka Sharma, celebrated actress and wife of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, shared an emotional tribute on social media following Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket on Monday. This marks the end of a glorious 14-year journey in the longest format, where Kohli not only shattered records but also redefined Indian cricket with his passion and grit.
Kohli, who debuted against the West Indies in 2011, played 123 Tests, emerging as India’s batting linchpin after Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement in 2013. His announcement comes hot on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s departure from Tests, leaving a massive void in India’s batting order ahead of the critical five-Test series against England starting June 20. As fans digest this double blow, Anushka’s words offer a deeply personal glimpse into the man behind the legend.
In her Instagram post, accompanied by a tender photo of the couple, Anushka wrote, ‘They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game. I know how much all this took from you.’ Her message captures the unseen struggles and sacrifices that fueled Kohli’s storied career. She continued, ‘After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.’
Reflecting on his decision to retire from whites, Anushka added, ‘Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — but you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.’ Her words resonate with millions who saw Kohli’s relentless dedication to Test cricket, a format he often described as the ultimate test of character.
Kohli echoed similar sentiments in his own farewell post on Instagram, writing, ‘As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.’ His words reflect the emotional weight of walking away from a format that defined much of his career.
Statistically, Kohli’s legacy is staggering. The 36-year-old amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. He holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian in Tests with seven, surpassing even Tendulkar. As captain, he led India in 68 Tests, securing 40 wins—the highest by any Indian skipper—and ranks fourth globally behind Graeme Smith (53), Ricky Ponting (48), and Steve Waugh (41). Under his leadership, India scaled the summit of Test rankings, holding the No. 1 spot for nearly five years after he took over from MS Dhoni in 2014-15. His crowning glory? Leading India to a historic Test series win in Australia in 2018— a first for any Indian team.
Kohli once spoke of Test cricket as a grind that shapes a cricketer, saying, ‘It’s the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.’ As he bids adieu with the poignant sign-off ‘#269, signing off’, his Test career—ranking him as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer behind Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122)—will be remembered not just for numbers, but for the heart he poured into every ball.
Anushka’s tribute, coupled with Kohli’s own reflections, reminds us that behind every record lies a human story of resilience. As Kohli steps away from Tests with ‘a heart full of gratitude’, Indian cricket stands at a crossroads, searching for new heroes to fill the void left by two titans. For now, though, let’s pause and celebrate a man who turned challenges into triumphs, and whose unseen tears, as Anushka poignantly noted, tell a story beyond the scorecards.