‘True legend’: Cricket fraternity lauds Virat Kohli as 36-year-old announces retirement from Test cricket

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a glorious phase in the history of Indian cricket. The batter not only displayed immense grit with the bat but also led the team through a challenging transition period following MS Dhoni's retirement.

Soon after Kohli made his announcement, applause poured in from around the world for one of India's most beloved cricketers.

Cricketing world reacts to Virat Kohli's retirement:

Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya, lauding Kohli in a post on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, “All the best on your Test retirement @imVkohli. 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.”

Meanwhile, former England batter Kevin Pietersen reacted sharply to the development in a post, writing “Virat?!?! 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱”

Former India cricketer, Wasim Jafer lauded the batter, writing, “I feel he at least had 3 more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed @imVkohli Congratulations on a successful career 👏🏻👏🏻”

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh, while reacting to Kohli's retirement, wrote, “Virat, we’ve shared that era… faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration. Good luck going forward”

Former South Africa captain and Kohli's friend, AB de Villiers, also reacted to the batter's retirement announcement, writing, “Congrats to my biscotti @imVkohli on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! ❤️🙌🏻”

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan while reacting to Kohli's retirement wrote, "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."

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also reacted to Kohli announcing retirement from Test cricket writing, “A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks….”