In a move that has stunned cricket fans around the world, Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket. At 36, many believed the Indian star still had plenty to offer in the red-ball format. Although his recent Test performances were not his best, no one expected him to step away from the format he has always cherished.
An Emotional Reaction from Fans and Celebrities
The news has left fans heartbroken, and even prominent personalities have joined the call for Kohli to rethink his decision. Renowned lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar shared his disappointment on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
“Obviously Virat knows better, but as an admirer of this great player, I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket. I think there is still a lot of cricket in him. I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision,” Akhtar wrote.
A Glorious Test Captaincy Record
Kohli’s biggest legacy in Test cricket came as a captain. He transformed India into a dominant force in world cricket. Under his leadership, India won 17 out of 22 home Tests, losing only once. On foreign soil, Kohli guided India to 11 wins in 21 matches—an impressive record in challenging conditions.
Carrying the Torch After Legends
Following in the footsteps of icons like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid, Virat became India’s most dependable batter, especially overseas. Whether facing swing in England, bounce in Australia, or seam in South Africa, Kohli made scoring look effortless. His powerful strokes, solid defence, and sharp judgement made him a nightmare for bowlers everywhere.
What Lies Ahead?
As Team India gears up for a new era without Kohli in Test whites, the cricketing world waits to see if the legend might just change his mind. For now, his departure marks the end of a golden chapter in Indian Test cricket.
