‘You’ve earned every bit of this goodbye’: Anushka Sharma pens emotional tribute to Virat Kohli after test cricket retirement

Dubai: In a poignant and deeply personal note, Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma paid tribute to her husband and cricketing icon Virat Kohli after he announced his retirement from Test cricket.

While the cricketing world buzzes with numbers, records, and legacy talk, Sharma offered a rare glimpse into the emotional and private toll the game has taken on the former India captain.

“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,” Anushka wrote on social media, acknowledging the grit and resilience Kohli displayed throughout his illustrious red-ball career.

In her heartfelt message, Sharma described watching Kohli grow and evolve with every Test series — returning not just as a better player, but also as a wiser, more grounded human being.

“I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege,” she added.

Kohli, known for his passion, intensity, and fierce loyalty to Test cricket, shocked many with his announcement. Anushka revealed that she, too, had imagined a different farewell for him — one marked in whites.

“Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — but you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye,” she concluded, signing off with a heart emoji.

The post has since gone viral, striking a chord with fans who’ve followed Kohli’s journey both on and off the pitch. As one of modern cricket’s most celebrated figures steps away from the game’s longest format, Sharma’s words remind us that behind every sporting icon is a human being — vulnerable, relentless, and deeply loved.