Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty has paid a glowing tribute to Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.
Shetty, known for his strong connection to cricket through his son-in-law KL Rahul, expressed heartfelt admiration for Kohli’s commitment to the red-ball format.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Suniel Shetty posted an emotional note along with a photo of Kohli celebrating a century.
“You didn’t just play Test cricket Virat…You lived it. You Honoured it, breathed fire, wore your heart on your sleeve and your passion like armour,” he posted.
The post further added, “The roar. The grit. The obsession. The Heart. Take a bow, champ. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on.”
His tribute captured the sentiment of many fans mourning the end of an era in Indian Test cricket.
Earlier in the day, Virat Kohli shared a personal note on Instagram, marking the end of his illustrious 14-year Test career.
“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,” Kohli wrote.
He added that although stepping away wasn’t easy, it “felt right”.
“I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for… I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
Kohli’s Test debut came in 2011 against the West Indies, following his ODI debut in 2008.
That same year, he led the Indian Under-19 team to World Cup victory, establishing himself as a rising star.
Over the years, he became one of India’s most successful Test captains, revered for his aggressive style and consistent performance.
Kohli’s last Test match took place on 3 January 2025 at the Sydney Cricket Ground against Australia.
His retirement follows closely on the heels of fellow batting great Rohit Sharma, who also stepped away from Test cricket recently.
As fans and fellow players react to this significant milestone, tributes like Suniel Shetty’s serve as a reminder of Kohli’s profound impact on Indian cricket.
While the red ball may now rest, Kohli’s legacy on the pitch continues to inspire generations.
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