Virat Kohli Announces Immediate Retirement from Test Cricket, Receives Heartfelt Tributes

Virat Kohli's Retirement Shocks Fans and Celebrities

In a surprising announcement that has left cricket enthusiasts worldwide in disbelief, Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli declared his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, effective immediately. This decision has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and notable figures in Bollywood alike.

Among those expressing their admiration was actor Suniel Shetty, who shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, 'You didn’t just play Test cricket, Virat. You lived it. You honored it, breathed fire, wore your heart on your sleeve, and your passion like armor.'

He continued, 'The roar. The grit. The obsession. The heart. Take a bow, champ. The red ball rests, but your legacy races on @virat.kohli.'

Bollywood Stars Pay Tribute

Actor Vicky Kaushal also shared his thoughts, saying, 'You did it your way, and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations on an incredibly inspiring Test career and thank you for the memories, Champ! @virat.kohli.'

Varun Dhawan expressed his sentiments through a video, labeling Kohli's retirement as a significant loss for Indian cricket.

Actress Neha Dhupia referred to Kohli's retirement as a 'personal' decision, while her husband, actor Angad Bedi, affectionately called him 'Cheekoo.' He wrote, 'Go well my brother and thank you for the memories... Test cricket will never be the same.'

Anushka Sharma's Emotional Message

Kohli's wife, actress Anushka Sharma, took to social media to share a touching message, reflecting on his remarkable journey in Test cricket and the emotional challenges he faced. She wrote, 'They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game.'

She concluded her message with, 'Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.'

Kohli's Announcement and Future Plans

Kohli made his retirement announcement just before India's upcoming Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. He shared his thoughts through a statement on Instagram, expressing gratitude for the format and stating that he felt it was the right moment to step away.