Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar penned a touching tribute to Virat Kohli following the Delhi batter’s retirement from Test cricket, lauding his impact on Indian cricket and the younger generation of aspiring cricketers. In a heartfelt post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Tendulkar reflected on a deeply emotional moment from 2013, when Kohli offered him a sacred thread from his late father after Tendulkar’s final international innings. The gesture, Tendulkar said, was too personal for him to accept, but has stayed with him ever since.
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test,” Tendulkar wrote. “You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes.”
Tendulkar praised Kohli’s Test career not just for its statistical brilliance but also for its intangible contributions. He hailed Kohli’s true legacy as one of inspiration — bringing a new generation of players and fans into the game, not just with his batting but through his passion and dedication.
“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,” he added.
Virat Kohli, who has long spoken of Tendulkar as his childhood idol and a key reason he took up cricket, ended his illustrious Test career on May 12, 2025. He leaves behind a remarkable record: 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. As a leader, he captained India in 68 Tests, reshaping the team’s attitude and competitive edge.
Reflecting on his journey, Kohli wrote on Instagram, “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. There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites — the quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.”
As one of Indian cricket’s modern icons steps away from the longest format, his influence — both on and off the field — will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
