In a world often dominated by the roar of stadiums and the clash of willow on leather, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli took a quiet moment on Sunday to celebrate the unsung heroes of his life. As the globe marked Mother’s Day, Kohli shared a deeply personal tribute on Instagram, honoring the women who have shaped his journey—his wife Anushka Sharma and his own mother.
Posting a carousel of heartwarming images, Kohli showcased tender moments with Anushka and their children, alongside nostalgic childhood snapshots with both his and Anushka’s mothers. His caption read, “Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers of the world. I was born to one, accepted by one as a son, and have seen one grow into a strong, nurturing, loving, and protective mother to our children. We love you more and more every day @anushkasharma.” The post quickly garnered millions of likes and comments, resonating with fans who admire Kohli not just for his on-field prowess but for his grounded family values.
This heartfelt gesture comes during a brief hiatus in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), a week-long break that has allowed players to step away from the relentless grind of professional cricket. For Kohli, this pause has been a golden opportunity to reconnect with loved ones, offering a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of cricket’s most celebrated modern-day batting legends. The 36-year-old, who has been in sublime form for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) this season, seemed to relish the downtime, finding solace in the embrace of family.
Yet, even as Kohli basked in personal joys, the cricketing world was abuzz with speculation about his future in the longest format of the game. On Saturday, TimesofIndia.com reported whispers that Kohli might be contemplating retirement from Test cricket, sending shockwaves through the global cricket fraternity. The timing of such rumors feels particularly poignant, as Indian cricket navigates a transitional phase following the retirements of stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin.
In response to these speculations, West Indies legend Brian Lara took to social media with a passionate plea. “Test cricket needs Virat!! He is going to be persuaded. He is NOT going to retire from Test cricket… @virat.kohli is going to average above 60 for the remainder of his Test career,” Lara declared with unwavering confidence. His words underscore the immense value Kohli brings to India’s red-ball setup, especially given his staggering career statistics—9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 Tests, peppered with 30 centuries since his debut in 2011.
Kohli’s potential departure from Tests would indeed mark the end of an era. Often hailed as the backbone of India’s batting lineup, his aggressive yet technically sound approach has inspired a generation of cricketers. With over a decade of relentless performances, including captaining India to historic Test victories like the 2018/19 series win in Australia, Kohli remains a linchpin for a team in flux. While he has yet to address the retirement rumors directly, his Mother’s Day tribute serves as a subtle reminder of the personal anchors that fuel his extraordinary career.
As fans and analysts await an official word from the man himself, one thing remains clear: whether on the field or off it, Virat Kohli continues to captivate with his passion and humanity. For now, amidst the uncertainty of his Test future, his tribute to the mothers in his life stands as a powerful testament to the values that drive him—a fitting celebration of strength, love, and resilience on Mother’s Day.