Former Pakistan cricketer and former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja shared a touching tribute to Virat Kohli on Monday right after the Indian star announced his retirement from Test cricket. Kohli has been a huge figure in cricket, marking the end of a career that really changed how we see Indian cricket over the past ten years. His stats are impressive: 123 matches, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, 31 half-centuries, and an average of 46.85. But what fans will remember most is his passion, drive, and the way he played the game. Raja mentioned to IANS, “With his retirement, modern Test cricket will feel a bit empty, as he was its greatest ambassador.”
In an emotional Instagram post, the 36-year-old reflected on his journey that started in 2011 and lasted 14 remarkable years in Test cricket. “It’s been 14 years since I first put on the baggy blue for Tests… Playing in whites has always felt special. Those quiet days, the little moments that don’t get noticed but stick with you. Stepping away from this format isn’t easy, but it feels right. I’ve given it my all, and it has given me so much more in return,” Kohli wrote. “I’m leaving with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, my teammates, and everyone who supported me. I’ll always remember my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
Kohli’s announcement follows Rohit Sharma’s surprising retirement from the longest format last week. Even though Kohli scored a century in the first Test, he struggled overall on the last Australian tour, managing just 190 runs in nine innings and averaging 23.75.