Virat Kohli, one of the most popular cricketers in the world, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday (May 12), shocking fans and the cricket fraternity.
The 36-year-old cricketer concluded his red-ball career with 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, and an average of 46.85 over 123 matches. His decision prompted heartfelt tributes from fans and celebrities alike, recognising his significant contributions to the sport.

Among those expressing gratitude were actors Vicky Kaushal, Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhishek Banerjee. Kaushal praised Kohli for his unique approach to the game, stating that his way will be missed. "Congratulations on an incredibly inspirational test career and thank you for the memories Champ! @virat.kohli," he shared on Instagram.
Kohli's wife, Anushka Sharma, also shared her thoughts on Instagram. She highlighted the unseen battles and unwavering dedication Kohli showed throughout his career. "They'll talk about the records and the milestones - but I'll remember the tears you never showed," she wrote, emphasising the personal growth she witnessed in him after each series.
Since debuting in 2011, Kohli led India to the top of Test rankings and achieved a historic series win in Australia in 2018-19. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli expressed gratitude for the experiences and lessons learned. "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," he wrote on Instagram. "I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude."
The comments section of Kohli's retirement post was filled with reactions from fans and celebrities. Ranveer Singh called him "One in a Billion" while Farhan Akhtar thanked him for the memories. Aparshakti Khurana expressed happiness at witnessing Kohli's era inch by inch.
Abhishek Banerjee thanked Kohli for making every Indian proud, while Neha Dhupia remarked that his reign would never end in their hearts. Suniel Shetty praised Kohli's passion for cricket, saying he lived the game rather than just playing it.
Prakash Raj also expressed gratitude for Kohli's inspiring moments on the field. Although retired from Test cricket and T20 Internationals last year, Kohli will continue to play One Day Internationals (ODIs). His legacy in cricket remains strong as fans and fellow players celebrate his achievements.
Kohli's impact on cricket is undeniable, with many acknowledging his dedication and passion for the sport. As he transitions to focusing solely on ODIs, his contributions to Test cricket will be remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
With inputs from PTI