Virat Kohli Reflects on Test Retirement at Yuvraj Singh's Charity Event
Virat Kohli's Retirement Announcement
Star cricketer Virat Kohli recently shared insights about his retirement from Test cricket during a charity event hosted by former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh's 'YouWeCan Foundation' in London on July 8.
The event aimed to raise funds for cancer patients and promote awareness about early detection of the disease. It saw the participation of several former cricketers and the current Indian squad involved in the ongoing Test series in England.
A Night of Nostalgia and Support
Alongside Kohli, notable figures such as Ravi Shastri, Chris Gayle, and Kevin Pietersen attended the gala, which was filled with camaraderie, cricket memories, and a commitment to a significant cause.
Kohli's Humorous Take on Retirement
While the focus of the event was on cancer awareness, Kohli's retirement from Test cricket became a highlight. He humorously addressed his decision, referencing the frequency of coloring his beard as a sign of aging.
"I just colored my beard two days ago. You know it's time when you are coloring your beard every four days," Kohli remarked after being encouraged by Gaurav Kapur to join fellow cricketers on stage.
Reflecting on a Stellar Career
Kohli's retirement announcement on May 12 took the cricketing community by surprise. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he reflected on his 14-year journey in Test cricket, expressing pride and fulfillment.
He concluded his Test career as the fourth-highest run-scorer, accumulating 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with an average of 46.85 across 123 matches. Kohli also led the Indian team from 2014 to 2022, achieving 40 victories in 68 matches, making him the most successful Asian captain in Test history.
Bonding with Yuvraj Singh
Kohli also spoke fondly of his relationship with Yuvraj Singh, with whom he celebrated the 2011 ODI World Cup victory at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. He reminisced about their early days playing together for the North Zone and how Yuvraj, along with Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh, mentored him.
"We shared a very good bond both on and off the field. I met him during a North Zone tournament in Bangalore. When I started playing for India, Yuvraj, Bhajju Pa, and Zaheer took me under their wings, helping me grow as a player and feel comfortable in the dressing room," Kohli shared.
Yuvraj's Cancer Battle
Kohli expressed his shock regarding Yuvraj's cancer diagnosis during the 2011 ODI World Cup, highlighting the team's unawareness of his condition at the time.
"Watching him in the World Cup was special, and learning about his diagnosis was shocking. Being so close to him, we had no idea. His battle with cancer and subsequent comeback to the national team under my captaincy was remarkable," Kohli noted.
Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with cancer shortly after India's 2011 World Cup victory, where he was named Player of the Tournament. After treatment for a rare form of lung cancer in the U.S., he made a successful return to international cricket in 2012.
Yuvraj announced his retirement from all forms of cricket in June 2019, having played for India from 2000 to 2017, scoring 11,686 runs, including 17 centuries and 71 fifties, at an average of 34.98 in 399 matches.