'Will miss u cheeks' - Cricket fraternity reacts to Virat Kohli's Test retirement

One of the most iconic figures in Indian cricket, Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement on May 12, 2025 drawing the curtain on an incredible 14-year long career in whites. Announcing his decision on social media on Monday morning, Kohli revealed he has the joy of representing India in Baggy Blue.

The announcement was made days after Rohit Sharma called it quits from the red-ball format. Kohli, who made his debut in 2011 against the West Indies, went on to play 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. He captained India in 68 of those matches, winning 40, making him the most successful Test skipper in the country’s history.

“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 I step away from this format, it’s not easy, but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. 269, signing off,” he wrote on an Instagram post.

The Delhi-born began with decent scores, but soon started grabbing headlines following his century in Adelaide during the 2011-12 tour of Australia. That country became special to him, especially during the 2014–15 series, where he scored 692 runs in four Tests. His promotion of being the India captain came around the same time, as he took over the duties from MS Dhoni.

Under Kohli’s leadership, India dominated this format, reaching the top of the ICC Test rankings and qualifying for the maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021. Former Indian legends like Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, among many others congratulated the Delhi-born and wished him luck for the future.

Here’s how cricketers reacted to Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

I was overwhelmed with joy when I found out that my idol, the very one I grew up watching dominate in whites for the country, would be the one to hand me my Test cap. “ Cap Number 315, Nitish Reddy” – these words will forever echo in my heart. The energy. The passion. The warmth.

02:35 PM · May 12, 2025

Unmatched passion, unmatched energy, and a fight that was awe-inspiring. Test cricket had a heartbeat, and it was you, @imVkohli. From my debut to series wins and double hundreds, the memories created on the field will always be special. And the conversations and the time spent

12:52 PM · May 12, 2025

From U-17 days to representing India together, it’s been one incredible ride, Virat. We didn’t just share the field — we grew through the game side by side. Played together, learnt together, and watched each other evolve. You brought unmatched passion and energy to Test cricket,

01:06 PM · May 12, 2025

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 #ViratKohli #TestCricket @imVkohli

01:11 PM · May 12, 2025

A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks….

01:16 PM · May 12, 2025

Take a bow legend, for you are leaving behind an epic legacy. You make India proud.

Wish you the very best!

#ViratKohli𓃵

01:37 PM · May 12, 2025

An extraordinary career, drew crowds to Test Cricket, set new benchmarks and India’s greatest Test captain. Congratulations on a remarkable Test Career, @imVkohli , a format you helped keep alive by your sheer passion. Best wishes.

01:45 PM · May 12, 2025

Your passion & leadership in Test cricket have inspired millions, brother! Love and respect bro @imVkohli Sad to see you step away, but your legacy will live on.

#Legend #thankyouvirat

12:48 PM · May 12, 2025

Congratulations Virat on an incredible test career. From the time i saw you, knew that you are special. The intensity that you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a joy to watch. You were a great ambassador of Test cricket and wish you the best

02:14 PM · May 12, 2025

Congratulations Virat on a Test career you can be incredibly proud of! Your passion for the format was inspiring…and it was an honour to share the crease with you over the years, in the heat of many-a-battle, grinding it out for the country! Will cherish the several memories

02:14 PM · May 12, 2025

The intensity, the passion, the fight – you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what’s ahead, @imVkohli bhai. #RP17

02:15 PM · May 12, 2025

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! @imVkohli