Virat Kohli's Test retirement is the "end of an era" and a closure to an "epic career", the cricket fraternity said on Monday, eulogising the modern-day Indian great.
The 36-year-old declared his inspiring innings in the traditional format, scoring 9230 runs from 123 matches with 30 hundreds at an average of 46.85. He will only play in ODIs now, having already retired from T20 Internationals last year.
"An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER! The former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. "His contributions to TeamIndia will forever be cherished!," the BCCI said in a post on 'X'.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir said he will miss Kohli, who is synonymous with passion.
"A man with lion's passion! Will miss u cheeks," he posted.
The ICC hailed Kohli as one of India's Test greats.
"One of India's Test greats calls time in the longest format. Whites off, crown intact. Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy," the ICC said.
"Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment," ICC chief Jay Shah wrote.
Former India coach Ravi Shastri still can't fathom that Kohli is done with his Test career.
"Can't believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for Test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you've given to everyone, and to me in particular. It's something I will cherish for life. Go well," Shastri wrote on 'X'.
Tennis great Novak Djokovic also took to social media to hail Kohli's career.
"Incredible innings," wrote Djokovic on his Instagram story.
Former South African cricketer AB De Villiers also sang Kohli's praise.
"Congrats to my biscotti on an epic Test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend!" he tweeted.
Ajinkya Rahane posted on Instagram, "It's been a special journey sharing the field with you. So many great memories and partnerships together. Congratulations on an amazing Test career!"
Former teammates Yuvraj Singh and Cheteshwar Pujara highlighted Kohli's drive and dedication towards Tests.
"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!" Yuvraj wrote.
"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 and partnerships together" Pujara wrote.
Harbhajan Singh remembered the tough and successful days he had shared with Kohli.
"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," he tweeted.
Star Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who made his Test debut under Kohli's leadership, expressed gratitude.
"From making my Test debut under your captaincy to reaching new heights together for our country, your passion and energy will be missed but the legacy you leave behind remains unmatched," Bumrah wrote.
Swashbuckling wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant echoed the sentiment.
"The intensity, the passion, the fight - you gave it your all, every single time! All the best for what's ahead," Pant wrote.
Former India pacer Irfan Pathan described Kohli as "a true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket".
"Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career. As captain, you didn't just win matches - you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard." With T20 cricket dominating the global scene, Kohli's staunch support for Tests was praised by Virender Sehwag.
"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 of times in One Day Cricket," Sehwag wrote.
Jhulan Goswami, one of the most successful pacers in women cricket, Kohli's career was more than the skill.
"There was something about Kohli in whites. It wasn’t just skill. It was intent. He didn’t want to survive. He wanted to dominate. To conquer. And in the process, he gave us 14 years of unforgettable memories. Best of luck for your journey ahead," she posted.
Ex-India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta too was surprised with Kohli's decision.
"A little bit of a surprise and kind of shock and also a little bit of emptiness, it's a sense of loss," said Dasgupta.
Former Acting President of the BCCI CK Khanna said: "Kohli라이브 바카라 retirement from Test cricket signifies the culmination of a golden legacy in Indian cricket."
