Fans Prepare Special Farewell for Virat Kohli as Retirement Looms

A Call for a Memorable Farewell

Why can't India follow England's example? Many are recalling the farewell given to James Anderson, the legendary English bowler, who received a heartfelt send-off at Lord's when his daughters rang the bell. The scene, with a large crowd celebrating him from the balcony, is fondly remembered even by rival teams.

Sachin Tendulkar is often seen as a unique case. With 100 international centuries and 15,921 runs in Tests, he had a farewell match at his home ground, Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, where fans bid him a heartfelt goodbye. Now, with Virat Kohli's retirement announcement, supporters are calling for a fitting tribute to their beloved 'King.'

The Trend of Sudden Retirements

In Indian cricket, it has become common for players to exit without prior notice, leaving fans unaware of when their last match might be. Guards of honor are typically reserved for milestones rather than retirements. Recently, three cricketing legends have stepped away from certain formats, with Ravichandran Ashwin announcing his retirement shortly after the Gabba Test.

Rohit Sharma surprised fans by leaving the Test format, despite previously assuring them he would continue. Just as fans were processing this news, Virat Kohli, a stalwart of Test cricket for over a decade, also announced his retirement.

RCB Fans Plan a Tribute

In response to this gap, fans are taking action. Supporters of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are organizing a farewell event. Similar to how the English crowd at The Oval honored Stuart Broad with white bandanas, RCB fans plan to fill the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in white attire as a silent tribute to their 'King.'

The Significance of Kohli's Test Career

Virat Kohli's connection to the Test jersey was profound; it was not just a uniform for him. He fought for it, cherished it, and led his team to remarkable heights. In numerous interviews, he expressed that Test cricket was his ultimate goal. With thirty Test centuries and over 9,200 runs, his legacy transcends mere statistics. Kohli inspired India to dream, fight, and believe in the longest format of the game, transforming dull moments into captivating performances.

Had fans known that Kohli's last appearance in Tests would be in Perth, they would have cheered even louder during his final moments in Sydney.