‘No One Can Compete’: Navjot Sidhu’s Emotional Tribute to Virat Kohli on Test Retirement
In a moment that has left the cricketing world in awe and melancholy, Virat Kohli, one of India’s greatest ever Test batsmen, announced his retirement from the longest format of the game on Monday. Following this heartfelt revelation, former India cricketer and renowned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu took to social media to pen an emotional tribute, encapsulating the essence of Kohli’s unparalleled contribution to Indian cricket.
Sidhu, known for his poetic flair, wrote on X, “The Greatest Indian Cricketer of all times bids adieu to Test cricket. Thank you Virat Kohli for being a cup of joy to world cricket. Kahaan parre ho chakker mein, koi nahin hai takker mein (No one can compete with him, why worry about it).” This poignant line captures the reverence and admiration Kohli commands, not just in India but globally.
Kohli, who debuted in Test cricket in 2011 against the West Indies, shared his own reflections on social media, reminiscing about a journey that spanned over a decade. “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,” he wrote. He spoke of the personal connection to the ‘whites’—the grind, the long days, and the unseen moments that define a Test cricketer’s spirit.
Kohli’s Test statistics are nothing short of staggering. Across 113 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His peak years between 2011 and 2019 saw him average close to 55, a testament to his dominance as a batsman. Moreover, as captain, Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, becoming the nation’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins, surpassing even the likes of MS Dhoni.
However, the past two years have been challenging for the modern-day great. His average dipped to 32.56 in the last 24 months, reflecting a dip in form that even the best endure. His final Test series, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023-24 against Australia, ended in disappointment as India lost 3-1. Kohli’s last Test appearance came in Sydney, where, despite a valiant effort, India couldn’t turn the tides. Apart from an unbeaten century in Perth during the first Test, Kohli managed just 90 runs across eight innings in the series—a bittersweet end to a storied Test career.
Yet, as Kohli himself reflected, “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy—but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.” He leaves the Test arena with a legacy etched in every record book and countless memories for fans—from his gritty knocks in overseas conditions to his fiery leadership that transformed India into a Test powerhouse.
Kohli’s sign-off, “I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off,” accompanied by the Indian flag and a heart emoji, resonated with millions. His jersey number, 269, representing his Test cap number, will forever symbolize a player who redefined Indian cricket.
As tributes continue to pour in, Sidhu’s words echo the sentiment of a nation: there is truly no one in competition with Virat Kohli. While the chapter of Test cricket closes for him, the indelible mark he has left on the game will inspire generations to come. What are your favorite Kohli Test moments? Share with us in the comments below.