Virat Kohli, one of India’s most celebrated cricketers, officially announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, marking the end of a distinguished 14-year career in the longest format of the game.
As tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, his wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma shared a deeply emotional message in support of his decision.
Anushka’s heartfelt farewell
Taking to Instagram, Anushka posted a candid photograph of the couple laughing together on a cricket field.
In a touching note accompanying the image, she paid tribute not just to Kohli’s achievements, but to the unspoken sacrifices that underpinned them.
“They’ll talk about the records and the milestones but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game,” she wrote.
“After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.”
She continued, “Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say, my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.”
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Kohli responded to Anushka’s tribute with three red heart emojis, acknowledging her support.
Kohli’s farewell message
Earlier in the day, Kohli had shared his own emotional farewell on Instagram.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “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.”
He added, “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.”
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A remarkable Test career
Since making his debut in 2011 against the West Indies, Kohli played 123 Test matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85.
His tenure saw him evolve from a passionate young batsman into one of India’s most successful Test captains.
Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket follows his earlier exit from T20 internationals and comes shortly after his teammate Rohit Sharma’s decision to step away from the red-ball format.
As India bids farewell to one of its greatest Test cricketers, fans and players alike continue to reflect on the legacy Kohli leaves behind not just in records, but in his fierce commitment to the game and the inspiration he provided to a generation.
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