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.
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.
🇮🇳❤️
Batting sensation and living legend, Virat Kohli, today sent waves across the cricket community as he decided to call it quits from the longest form of the game. Test Cricket, his ultimate love, was a format he debuted in in June 2011, and completed nearly 14 years in whites, where he amassed 9,200+ runs including 30 glorious centuries.
The message above is what he posted on his social media handles to let the world know about his decision, which came on the back of his colleague Rohit Sharma’s decision to walk away from Test Cricket. Millions of hearts broke with the Virat Kohli retirement post, and we’re going to go through some of the best comments on this post by celebrities and admirers.
Virat Kohli retirement post comment
First, let’s look at his colleagues in current and former cricketers who left messages on his Instagram post. West Indian former pacer Tino Best said, “The Ultimate Competitor 👑” while Australian southpaw David Warner said, “Congrats great man. 🙌” and Universe Boss Chris Gayle left a comment, “Happy Retirement Legend @virat.kohli you will be missed 👊🏿💪🏿💯”
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Former South African captain Faf du Plessis said, “What a man !!! 🐐” while Virat’s IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore also left a special message, saying, “Thank you for all the memories, Virat. Test cricket will miss you. Indian cricket will. Fans will. 🥺 We wish you the best as always! 🫡”
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Rival club Mumbai Indians also left a message, saying, “Test cricket will miss you, Virat 🫡”. From Bollywood, Ranveer Singh said, “One in a Billion! 👑 Go well, King! ♥️🧿🙌🏽”. Chennai Super Kings also posted on Kohli’s retirement post, saying, “Legend of the red ball game! Thank you for your stride in whites, @virat.kohli 🇮🇳❤️”
Comedian Tanmay Bhat posted, “PLS NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO”, mimicking the emotions of millions of us who felt the same way when the news broke out on the morning of 12th May. There were reports a day ago of Kohli wanting to retire but BCCI requesting him to rethink the decision, but he decided to hang up his boots anyway.
Rahul Dravid retired at 39.
Sachin Tendulkar retired at 39.
VVS Laxman retired at 38.
But a gym freak and a fitness monster retired at the age of 36.Nothing ever can justify the decision Virat Kohli took today💔 pic.twitter.com/1VO94yO5WJ
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 12, 2025
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
The official Netflix India account also left a comment, “Retired from the game, but not from being the GOAT 👑” while Hindi rapper Divine posted, “Thanks champ 🙌❤️”. The post got a total of 13+ million likes within the first 10 hours of it going live, and we think this post could go on to become one of the most liked ones on Instagram.
As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
What a beautiful Instagram post by Kane Williamson for Virat Kohli. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/Jeapep1SRN
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2025
Out on Twitter, we saw posts from some legends of the game including the great Sachin Tendulkar, who posted a very warm message Kohli, who played 123 Tests for India. Former Head Coach Ravi Shastri also posted, while BCCI posted a heartwarming video depicting Kohli’s Test contributions. Kohli retired from T20Is in 2024, and now from Tests in 2025.
Virat’s brother Vikas Kohli also left a comment, saying, “ALWAYS PROUD OF YOU BHAI…. You have held your head high…. And given all you can…. Stay blessed.” Thousands of fans left messages on Vikas’ posts on Instagram, asking him to convince his brother to continue in this format.
A man with lion’s passion!
Will miss u cheeks…. pic.twitter.com/uNGW7Y8Ak6— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 12, 2025
All we can say to this absolute GOAT is, thank you Virat Kohli. Thank you for all the memories and countless days you brought a smile to our faces. We absolutely love and adore you, always. For more updates on cricket from around the world, remember to always keep coming back to ReadScoops.com.
FAQs on Virat Kohli retirement
Q. Is Virat Kohli retiring from Tests?
Ans. Yes, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket via a post on Instagram, on 12th May 2025. This came almost a year after he walked away from the T20I format in 2024.
Q. Who will replace Kohli in Test?
Ans. There are a few options of those doing well in the middle order, including KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, while many more youngsters like Sarfaraz Khan and Nitish Reddy are also in the mix.
Q. Will Virat Kohli play the 2027 World Cup?
Ans. Virat Kohli’s record in the 50-over format is impeccable and he also ended as the top scorer of the CWC 2023 in India. With T20I and Test out of the way, he will have his full focus on ODI cricket going forward.
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