In a moment that tugs at the heartstrings of cricket fans worldwide, Indian cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar penned an emotional tribute to Virat Kohli following the latter’s retirement from Test cricket. The announcement, made on Monday, marked the end of a stellar 14-year journey in the red-ball format for Kohli, who played 123 Tests since his debut against the West Indies in 2011. Tendulkar, often referred to as the ‘God of Cricket,’ took to social media to express his deep admiration for Kohli, who stepped into the limelight as India’s premier batter after Tendulkar’s own retirement in 2013.
Tendulkar’s message revisited a poignant memory from 12 years ago during his final Test match. ‘As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 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,’ Tendulkar wrote. He added, ‘While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes.’ This exchange of respect and emotion between two giants of Indian cricket underscores the deep personal connections forged on the field.
Kohli’s Test career is nothing short of extraordinary. Amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries, he retires as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests, trailing only behind Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122). His record of seven double centuries stands as the highest by an Indian batter in Test cricket, surpassing even Tendulkar’s six. Beyond statistics, Kohli’s leadership saw him captain India in 68 Tests, achieving 40 victories—the most by any Indian skipper in the format.
Tendulkar didn’t shy away from highlighting Kohli’s broader impact on Indian cricket. ‘Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport,’ he noted. ‘You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs—you’ve given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.’ Indeed, Kohli’s aggressive style, unrelenting passion, and commitment to fitness redefined modern cricket, inspiring a wave of aspiring players across the nation.
Kohli’s retirement comes on the heels of fellow stalwart Rohit Sharma stepping down from Test cricket, leaving a significant void in India’s batting lineup ahead of their upcoming tour of England. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared his sentiments on Instagram: ‘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.‘ He signed off with gratitude for the game, his teammates, and fans, ending with the poignant note, ‘#269, signing off.’
As the cricketing world bids farewell to one of its modern greats, Kohli leaves behind a legacy etched not just in record books but in the hearts of millions. From raw talent to a transformative leader, his journey in Test cricket has been a masterclass in resilience and excellence. Tendulkar’s words serve as a fitting tribute, weaving a thread of memory and respect that connects generations of Indian cricket. For fans, it’s a reminder of the emotional depth of the sport—a game where numbers tell only half the story.