Follow UsIn what can arguably be labelled the single-most significant moment in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement 12 years back, Virat Kohli, the country’s greatest ever Test skipper, called it quits from red-ball cricket earlier today (May 12).
After Rohit Sharma’s retirement, it was expected that Kohli would be the senior guiding the youngsters in the five-Test series in England, but Kohli has opted to walk away from Tests after 14 years and 123 games.
Here is how world cricket and his teammates reacted to the news of Kohli stepping away from red-ball cricket:
Jasprit Bumrah
Bumrah wrote a heartfelt message for Kohli on his Instagram, saying that, "From making my Test debut under your captaincy to reaching new heights together for our country, your passion and energy will be missed but the legacy you leave behind remains unmatched. Congratulations on a remarkable journey in whites."
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Jaiswal wrote a very emotional message for Kohli on his Instagram and said that, "Pajji, I grew up watching you and Rohit bhai play, and from the moment seeing both of you in that Indian jersey, I dreamed of one day doing the same," he wrote on Instagram.
"Both of you have been a source of inspiration not just for me, but for an entire generation who fell in love with cricket because of the passion and intensity you brought to the game.
“The impact you’ve had on Test cricket, and on cricket in India as a whole, is immeasurable. To have had the chance to share the pitch with you — someone I looked up to for so many years — was more than just a privilege; it was a moment I’ll carry with me forever,” he added
AB de Villiers
De Villiers posted a short, but very intimate message for Kohli, with whom he shared a very special bond. He said, "Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!"
Greg Chappell
Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo that Kohli has been Indian cricket's most influential figure.
"Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket marks the end of a thunderous era - a reign forged in grit, fire, and audacity," he wrote.
"It closes the chapter on the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even eclipses him in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity......"
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj took to his social media to congratulate Kohli on his splendid Test career. He said, "Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you've done in whites. Go well King Kohli! @imVkohli."
Mohammed Siraj
Siraj, who has always been emotional around Kohli, began his message with, "To my superhero."
He wrote on his Instagram, "Congratulations on this wonderful career you had in test cricket. Your legacy will stay forever. You have inspired generations of cricketers like me and will continue to do so with your achievements and how you have carried yourself bhaiya. Dressing room won't be the same without you. Thank you for always backing me and motivating me to do well."
Gautam Gambhir
Gambhir, the Indian head coach, wrote a brief but powerful message for his ace batter. “A man with lion's passion. Will miss u cheeks.”
Rishabh Pant
Pant wrote on his Twitter account that, " The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai." The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single tie! All the best for what's ahead,