Cricket Fans React to Virat Kohli's Retirement Announcement Amid IPL Match Cancellation

Fans Share Mixed Emotions Over Kohli's Retirement

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], May 18: Anticipation filled the air as cricket enthusiasts looked forward to the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders, which ultimately fell victim to rain. Amidst this, many fans voiced their thoughts regarding Virat Kohli's recent announcement about retiring from Test cricket.

Numerous supporters urged the former Indian captain to reconsider his decision. One fan from Odisha, Manoj, expressed, “Virat Kohli should take back his decision to retire from Test cricket.”

Before the match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, fans were seen purchasing Kohli's Test merchandise, particularly his jersey number 18.

Virat's retirement announcement took the cricketing community by surprise, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career that included 123 Test matches.

Throughout his Test journey, the 36-year-old amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85, featuring 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries across 210 innings, with a personal best of 254*. He ranks as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history, following legends Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

On Monday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the continuation of the IPL's 18th season, unveiling the schedule for the remaining 17 matches after a week-long suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

Currently, RCB holds the second position in the points table with eight wins and three losses from 11 matches, while KKR stands sixth with five victories and six defeats in 12 matches.