Category: Sports

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.

In what could mark the end of an era in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli has reportedly informed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of his intent to retire from Test cricket. The Indian Express reports that Kohli, after prolonged reflection—especially following his modest performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy—has expressed a desire to move on from red-ball cricket. This comes mere days after Indian Test captain Rohit Sharma officially announced his retirement from the format via social media, signalling a massive leadership and experience vacuum in India’s red-ball setup. Kohli’s Reported Decision and BCCI’s Response Kohli’s desire to retire appears to be firm, with no indications that he plans to reverse the decision. However, the BCCI is understood to be actively engaging with the batting stalwart, urging him to reconsider, especially with a crucial five-Test away series against England looming in June 2025. Kohli, who has played 123 Tests and scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, has been a cornerstone of India’s modern Test success. His tenure as captain revolutionised India’s pace battery and overseas performance, while his batting formed the backbone of many historic victories. Decline in Red-Ball Form Since 2020, Kohli’s form in Tests has noticeably waned. In the last five years, he has scored just 1,990 runs in 37 Tests with only three centuries—far from the standards he once routinely set. His 190 runs in the recent Border-Gavaskar series, including one unbeaten century, reflect a prolonged struggle to maintain consistency. Kohli has also been open about the mental toll of his dip in form. Speaking at an RCB event in March 2025, he said: “Once you start taking on the energy and the disappointment from the outside… you start getting more desperate. That’s something I’ve surely experienced in Australia as well.” A Transitional Moment for Indian Cricket Kohli’s decision—should it become official—paired with Rohit Sharma’s retirement, signals the end of one of Indian cricket’s most dominant eras. It places added responsibility on the younger generation, with the likes of Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad expected to take the baton. India’s red-ball setup is now at a critical juncture, facing a generational shift just before a demanding England tour and a new World Test Championship cycle.