Tendulkar and Kohli during their Test cricket careers.
After 14 years, one of the most celebrated cricketing legends, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. The 36-year-old’s decision came ahead of the upcoming England series. While fans paid tribute to the former Indian captain, another cricketing legend penned a sweet note for Kohli.
Recalling a “thoughtful gesture” 12 years ago during his last Test, Sachin Tendulkar shared a moment when Kohli offered to gift Sachin a thread from his late father.
Also Read | Virat Kohli Announces Retirement From Test Cricket
“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,” he wrote.
“Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport,” he said.
Congratulating Kohli on his Test career, Tendulkar added, “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.”
As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. 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… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
Kohli’s Test retirement announcement comes shortly after Rohit Sharma announced the same on May 7.
Also Read | Rohit Sharma Announces Retirement From Test Cricket
Virat Kohli made his Test debut against the West Indies on June 20, 2011, in Kingston. He has played 123 Tests, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 48.7, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
In 2014, Kohli took over the Test captaincy reins from MS Dhoni and led India over a successful eight-year tenure. Under his leadership, India had played 68 Tests, in which he had won 40.
