In a heartfelt exclusive with TimesofIndia.com, former India opener Shikhar Dhawan opened up about his long-time teammate Virat Kohli, painting a vivid picture of a man who was not just a cricketing titan but also the life of the dressing room. From celebrating milestones as if they were his own to mimicking Ishant Sharma with uncanny precision, Kohli’s infectious energy left an indelible mark on Dhawan and the entire Indian squad.
Dhawan’s fondest memory dates back to his Test debut against Australia in Mohali in 2013, where he smashed a stunning 187 runs, including a century. As he reached the three-figure mark, Kohli’s reaction from the dressing room was nothing short of electric. ‘Virat came out, jumping, clapping, and whistling—he celebrated like it was his own hundred,’ Dhawan recalled with a smile. ‘Later, back in the dressing room, he cranked up loud Punjabi songs, and we kept the party going. He truly soaked in the joy of that moment.’
However, the recent news of Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket on Monday left Dhawan and countless fans in shock. With 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an average of 46.85, Kohli signed off as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in the format, trailing only legends like Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,288 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs). In a simple yet poignant social media post, Kohli wrote: ‘#269, signing off,’ marking the end of a red-ball legacy built on grit and passion.
Dhawan, still processing the news, believes Kohli had more to offer in Tests. ‘I absolutely think he could have continued playing red-ball cricket. His physical fitness is unmatched, and his hunger for runs and passion for winning are still evident,’ Dhawan remarked. ‘But only Virat knows his mental state. He started young, and perhaps mentally, he felt it was time. Test cricket was always his priority above other formats, so this decision must have come after deep thought.’
Beyond the numbers, Dhawan cherishes the lighter side of Kohli—the dressing room DJ and prankster. ‘He was always up for fun, cracking jokes, and pulling legs. His mimicry is spot on—whether it’s copying someone’s walk or imitating Ishant Sharma’s voice, he had us in splits,’ Dhawan laughed. ‘Our sense of humor clicked, and those memories of laughter are priceless.’
Reflecting on Kohli’s journey, Dhawan traced his transformation from a raw, ambitious youngster to a disciplined icon. ‘I’ve known Virat since childhood. Even back then, he had an incredible hunger to be the best. Early on, he didn’t have full control over his diet, but the discipline was always there. Once he joined the Indian team, he elevated his game through fitness and a stricter lifestyle. That combination of hunger and discipline took him to extraordinary heights,’ Dhawan noted.
As Kohli walks away from Test cricket, his legacy remains etched in Indian cricket history—not just through stats but through the spirit he brought to every game. For Dhawan, Kohli will always be the teammate who celebrated others’ successes with unbridled joy, the mimic who lightened tense moments, and the champion who inspired a generation. As fans bid farewell to #269, these stories remind us that Virat Kohli’s impact transcends the boundary ropes.