Fans Honor Virat Kohli's Test Career with Special Tribute During IPL 2025
A Heartfelt Tribute to Virat Kohli
New Delhi [India] - On May 18, former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar shared his thoughts on the touching tribute from fans who donned white attire to honor Virat Kohli's remarkable Test career during the IPL 2025 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders.
The much-anticipated match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday was unfortunately canceled due to relentless rain, marking the return of the 18th season of the lucrative league.
Despite the match not taking place, fans gathered in large numbers, eager to witness Kohli's brilliance for the first time since his retirement announcement from Test cricket earlier that week.
The tribute began with a social media campaign encouraging supporters to wear white Kohli jerseys, celebrating the Indian cricket legend's 14-year journey in the Test format.
While the stands were predominantly red, the presence of white shirts signified the fans' respect for Kohli's contributions to the game.
Manjrekar remarked on JioHotstar, "The affection fans have for Virat Kohli is extraordinary. This IPL night match saw fans dressed in white to honor a significant moment in Indian cricket history. It’s a wonderful gesture."
During Kohli's captaincy from 2014 to 2022, he instilled a culture of fitness and aggression within the team, transforming India into a formidable force at a time when Test cricket was losing its appeal.
"For five years, he made Test cricket engaging and popular. We often say no player is bigger than the game, but when Test cricket was struggling to attract fans, Virat brought it the attention it sorely needed," he added.
Despite having been critical of Kohli in the past, Manjrekar acknowledged the legacy he has created, noting the high intensity he maintained regardless of the circumstances.
"He continues to play in the IPL, but he has always been passionate about preserving Test cricket. I’ve never seen an Indian Test captain maintain such intensity, even during tough times. That’s a legacy in itself," he stated.
Throughout his illustrious career, Kohli amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, making him India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history.