'You changed mindsets': How cricket reacted to Kohli's test retirement
India's batsman Virat Kohli runs as he celebrates his century during the first day of their cricket test match against South Africa at Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Dec. 18, 2013. Credit: AP/Themba Hadebe
Virat Kohli's retirement from test cricket drew tributes for the India superstar, with former opponents, teammates and officials insisting his impact should be measured not just by his numbers but how he changed his country’s attitude toward the longer format.
Kohli brought a 14-year test career to a close on Monday.
Here's some of the reaction to Kohli’s decision to step away from a format for which he remained a huge advocate amid the startling rise of Twenty20 cricket:
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“Biggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket’s oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli.” — former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar.
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“Congratulations on a phenomenal test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn’t just win matches — you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard. A true torchbearer of modern Indian test cricket.” — former India allrounder Irfan Pathan.
India's captain Virat Kohli kisses the field after scoring a double-century during day two of the first cricket Test match against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on July 22, 2016. Credit: AP/Ricardo Mazalan
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“All the best on your test retirement, Virat Kohli. While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you’ve made behind the scenes,” — former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya.
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“Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs — you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.” — India great Sachin Tendulkar.
India's Virat Kohli watches the ball after playing a shot during play on the second day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia, on Dec. 27, 2024. Credit: AP/Asanka Ratnayake
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“In my time playing and broadcasting no individual has done as much for test cricket as Virat Kohli ... his passion, energy and commitment to the greatest format has helped so much." — former England captain Michael Vaughan.
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“Congrats to my biscotti Virat Kohli on an epic test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! — former South Africa captain AB de Villiers.
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“Congratulations Virat Kohli on a stellar test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment.” — ICC chairman Jay Shah.
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“Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you’ve done in whites. Go well King Kohli!” — former India batter Yuvraj Singh.
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“Illustrious legacy. Inspiring intensity. Incredible icon. The former India captain gave it all to test cricket. Thank you for the memories in whites, Virat Kohli.” — the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
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“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 well, champ.” — former India coach Ravi Shastri.
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