NEW DELHI: An outpouring of tributes followed as soon as Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. Here's how people reacted.
Himanta Biswa Sarma (Assam Chief Minister): Test Cricket will never be the same again! #ViratKohli's retirement, close to the heels of Rohit Sharma's retirement leaves a huge void in Indian Test cricket which will be difficult to fill. Farewell legend, red ball cricket will miss you and your passion for this format.
Gautam Gambhir: A man with lion’s passion! Will miss u cheeks.
David Warner: Absolute legend of our game. I’ll never forget our first game against each other when we were young. I thought this guy was a serious competitor and going to be great, someone everyone would admire. You had to fill the shoes of some great players to ever play for India and carry the nation.
Greg Chappell: The end of a thunderous era. It closes the chapter on the most transformative figure in Indian cricket since Sachin Tendulkar; perhaps Kohli even eclipses him in terms of cultural influence and psychological impact on India's cricketing identity. Virat Kohli is the most Australian non-Australian cricketer we've ever seen. A snarling warrior in whites, never giving an inch, always demanding more. Not just of his bowlers, his fielders, or his opposition — but first and foremost, of himself. Sourav Ganguly gave Indian cricket a new spine. MS Dhoni brought ice-cold leadership and white-ball dominance. But Kohli? Kohli lit the fire. Kohli’s captaincy era, particularly in Tests, saw India redefine its identity. They not only became formidable at home but also aggressive competitors overseas.
Jay Shah (ICC Chair): Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment. Your speech at the Lord’s said it all - you played Tests with heart, grit, and pride.
Harbhajan Singh: 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. (Agencies)
Also Read: Sachin Tendulkar recalls Kohli's gesture during his last Test
Also Watch: