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Virat Kohli has left a void in Test cricket as he decided to conclude his journey in whites. His entire test career was like gifted moments of immense pride for India. His commitment, influence on team culture, fitness standards, and aggresive approach to the game had a transformative impact on test cricket.
Today, the world bows down to the king as he steps down the throne. See how the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement.
"It's not easy.. but it feels right": Says Kohli on his retirement post
On 12th May, 2025, Virat Kohli shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, announcing his retirement from the test format. Fans express how his retirement from the T20Is was understandable, but this feels different like a personal loss.
Virat ending the caption with "I will always look back at my Test career with a smile" is something that the whole nation can connect to, with waves of emotions.
A chorus of reactions: the cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's test retirement
From heartwarming messages to showing respect and admiration for his huge contribution in Tests, the emotions have been overflowing through social media platforms.
Here's what the cricketing world has to say about the King's decision to step away.
Indian cricketers on Kohli's legacy
Former cricketers like Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Ravi Shastri, as well as Virat's current teammates have penned down their thoughts on his retirement.
Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration.
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 12, 2025
Good luck going forward #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/GSh1Ca6I3G
Can’t believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you’ve given to everyone, and to me in particular. It’s something I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1te6LFGdMx
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) May 12, 2025
Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli
— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) May 12, 2025
Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on. 🙌 #Legend #thankyouvirat pic.twitter.com/6Ce9Z0wnPj
Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best… pic.twitter.com/JP9yxQnnWC
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 12, 2025
There was something about @imVkohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer.
And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead 🙌🏻#ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/gTaIRC1el0— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) May 12, 2025
"A man with lion's passion," says the Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.
A man with lion’s passion!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6
Axar Patel, Rishabh Pant and others on twitter. "Legend retires, legacy remains," added Axar Patel on his tweet.
Kehna asaan hai..samajhna mushkil.
— Axar Patel (@akshar2026) May 12, 2025
Legend retires, legacy remains. Thank you, Virat bhai @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/O4d7E4U5sW
The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead, @imVkohli bhai.
— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) May 12, 2025
#RP17 pic.twitter.com/jeKH5mYogS
Cricketers worldwide on Kohli's test exit
From his closest mate AB de Villiers to Sri Lankan cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, every cricketer across the world has something to say about this!
Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻 #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/2DnNLRzSrI
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) May 12, 2025
All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@Sanath07) May 12, 2025
The former England cricketer, Kevin Pietersen's astonished reaction to Virat's retirement decision.
Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱
— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) May 12, 2025
Read Also: Virat Kohli in Tests: In Numbers
Anushka Sharma reflects on Virat's time in Test cricket
Through the highs and lows of his career, there has been one constant support of his wife, Anushka Sharma, who has now shared her thoughts on Virat Kohli's test retirement.