Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of a significant chapter in his cricketing journey. The 36-year-old made the announcement through a heartfelt Instagram post just ahead of India’s five-match Test series against England, which begins on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. Kohli shared that after 14 years of playing in whites, he felt it was the right time to step away, adding that the experience had tested him, shaped him, and left him with invaluable life lessons.
In his statement, Kohli reflected on the personal nature of the format and the unseen struggles behind the scenes. “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,” he wrote. He further noted, “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.”
Anushka Sharma Responds with Heartfelt Message
Shortly after Kohli’s announcement, his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, shared an emotional note on Instagram. While many fans and cricket commentators focused on Kohli’s records and milestones, Sharma chose to highlight the sacrifices and silent struggles that the public never witnessed. She wrote, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game.”
Sharma praised her husband’s growth and evolution through his Test career, adding that it had been a privilege to witness it all. She admitted she always imagined he would retire from international cricket in whites but respected that Kohli has always followed his heart. “You’ve earned every bit of this goodbye,” she concluded. Kohli responded to the post with heart emojis, acknowledging her message with warmth.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Despite the emotional moment, Anushka faced unwarranted criticism online, with some users on platforms like Reddit and Twitter blaming her for Kohli’s decision. The backlash echoed past instances where Sharma has been unfairly targeted over Kohli’s cricketing moves. However, her post made it clear that her intention was only to honor his dedication and legacy.
Past Controversy
This retirement announcement also came soon after a minor controversy involving Kohli. The cricketer had accidentally liked a post from a fan page of actor Avneet Kaur, sparking speculation online. Kohli later clarified through his Instagram Story that it was an unintentional action, likely due to an algorithmic error while managing his feed. He urged fans not to draw any baseless conclusions.
While Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he remains active in other formats. He retired from T20 internationals last year after winning the World Cup and is expected to continue playing in ODIs. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he continues to be a vital part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), maintaining his status as one of the most consistent and passionate players, even though the team is yet to win a title.
Kohli and Sharma, who married in 2017, are parents to two children — daughter Vamika and son Akaay. Sharma has also taken a break from acting to focus on family life.
In his statement, Kohli reflected on the personal nature of the format and the unseen struggles behind the scenes. “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,” he wrote. He further noted, “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.”
Anushka Sharma Responds with Heartfelt Message
Shortly after Kohli’s announcement, his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, shared an emotional note on Instagram. While many fans and cricket commentators focused on Kohli’s records and milestones, Sharma chose to highlight the sacrifices and silent struggles that the public never witnessed. She wrote, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game.”
Sharma praised her husband’s growth and evolution through his Test career, adding that it had been a privilege to witness it all. She admitted she always imagined he would retire from international cricket in whites but respected that Kohli has always followed his heart. “You’ve earned every bit of this goodbye,” she concluded. Kohli responded to the post with heart emojis, acknowledging her message with warmth.
Public Reaction and Social Media Backlash
Despite the emotional moment, Anushka faced unwarranted criticism online, with some users on platforms like Reddit and Twitter blaming her for Kohli’s decision. The backlash echoed past instances where Sharma has been unfairly targeted over Kohli’s cricketing moves. However, her post made it clear that her intention was only to honor his dedication and legacy.
Past Controversy
This retirement announcement also came soon after a minor controversy involving Kohli. The cricketer had accidentally liked a post from a fan page of actor Avneet Kaur, sparking speculation online. Kohli later clarified through his Instagram Story that it was an unintentional action, likely due to an algorithmic error while managing his feed. He urged fans not to draw any baseless conclusions.
While Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he remains active in other formats. He retired from T20 internationals last year after winning the World Cup and is expected to continue playing in ODIs. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), he continues to be a vital part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), maintaining his status as one of the most consistent and passionate players, even though the team is yet to win a title.
Kohli and Sharma, who married in 2017, are parents to two children — daughter Vamika and son Akaay. Sharma has also taken a break from acting to focus on family life.
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