Virat Kohli’s siblings share emotional tributes after his Test retirement
Kohli’s family members express their pride and love for the 35-year-old star
In a heartfelt announcement that marks the end of an era, former India captain Virat Kohli has officially retired from Test cricket, concluding a glorious 14-year chapter in the sport’s most demanding format.
The news, shared on Kohli’s Instagram account on Monday morning, comes just ahead of India’s much-anticipated tour of England, catching fans and cricketing circles by surprise.
Kohli, known for his unmatched passion and intensity on the field, posted an emotional message expressing his gratitude and pride for the journey he undertook in the whites.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli wrote. “Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life… I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off.”
The announcement triggered an outpouring of emotions across the cricketing world. Leading the personal tributes were Kohli’s family members, who expressed their pride and love for the 35-year-old star.
His elder sister Bhawna Kohli Dhingra shared a touching Instagram post featuring a picture of Kohli in his Test jersey. “A journey to be proud of. A journey of hard work, emotions, hard times, and lots of appreciation… You truly deserve all the adulation and admiration! God bless you, we love you,” she wrote.
His brother, Vikas Kohli, echoed the sentiment in his Instagram stories, posting photos of Kohli in whites with the captions: “Always proud,” and “What an incredible journey champ… What you have done for the game cannot be replaced. You have held your head high and given all you can.”
Kohli’s retirement from Tests brings to a close a remarkable career that inspired a generation of cricketers and fans alike. While the whites may now be hung up, the legacy of Virat Kohli’s Test career will continue to echo in the annals of cricketing history.
