Actress Anushka Sharma showed her deep support for her husband Virat Kohli after he announced his retirement from Test cricket. She reshared a heartfelt post on social media originally written by National Award-winning lyricist Varun Grover.
Grover’s message praised the depth and beauty of Test cricket and highlighted Kohli’s remarkable contribution to the format. He wrote,
“Test Cricket is different from other games because it is a game of narrative. So many variables–four innings, five days, twenty-two specialists, changing weather daily, sometimes changing seasons three times a day, moisture of air, health of pitch, fate written by coin, and changing mental possibilities every moment. Well, every game is synonymous with some aspect of life in itself, but test cricket literally is like a novel–many genres covered in the same ink.”
Grover continued, “That’s why only those who had a story to tell succeeded in test cricket. A long story that doesn’t end even after writing wet, dry, country, foreigner on every pitch. Virat Kohli is the biggest character of this novel in the last decade. They not only lived all the juices of this novel but also made it more enriched. There is a lot written on what they gave to the team and India, but they gave the genre of test cricket what few people could give, a sensitive hero who looks beautiful in both defeat and win.” Grover’s words captured how Test cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a story, and Kohli has been one of its most important characters over the past decade.
Kohli’s Farewell to Test Cricket
On Monday, 36-year-old Kohli surprised the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket. He shared a personal message on Instagram reflecting on his 14-year-long journey.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.”
He thanked the game, his teammates, and the fans, saying: “As I step away from this format, it’s not easy–but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude–for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
A Glorious Career
Virat Kohli leaves behind an incredible Test career. Over 14 years, he scored more than 9,000 runs and delivered standout performances in challenging conditions, including memorable centuries in Australia, South Africa, and England. His consistency, mental strength, and ability to perform under pressure made him one of India’s finest Test players. Fans and media around the world have reacted emotionally to his announcement, recognizing the impact he had on the format.
Public Reaction and Next Chapter
After visiting Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan, Kohli and Anushka returned to Mumbai on Tuesday evening. At the airport, the paparazzi greeted them warmly. One photographer emotionally shouted, “Kohli sir, aapne galat kiya. Aapne retirement kyu liya, abhi hum cricket nahi dekhenge” (“Kohli sir, you made a mistake. Why did you retire? We won’t watch cricket anymore.”)
Even though Kohli will no longer play Test matches, his cricket journey isn’t over. Fans can still look forward to seeing him in ODIs and the IPL. The legacy he built in Test cricket will remain unforgettable, and the excitement continues as he begins a new phase of his career.
