“Can’t believe …”: East-India coach Ravi Shastri shocked Virat Kohli’s test retirement

Virat Kohli shocked many with his decision to leave the post for the longest format for India to donate Test Whites for India, former India’s all-rounder Yuvraj Singh welcomed the ‘fighter’ spirit, which the 36-year-old displayed in tests and said what he has received. “Test cricket brought the fighter out of you and you gave it everything! The way you played great, in your heart with hunger, fire in your stomach and pride in every stride. You are proud of what you have done in the whites. Well, well, Raja Kohli!

Test cricket brought the fighter out of you and you gave it everything! You played with hunger in your heart, proudly in your stomach fire and proudly in every strain. Proud of what you have done in pride. Get well King Kohli! @imvkohli pic.twitter.com/ydjba9w1i88

– Yuvraj Singh (@Yuvstrong12) May 12, 2025

Paes Spearhead Jasprit Bumrah of India, who made his debut in 2018 under Kohli’s captaincy in Cape Town. The 31 -year -old fast bowler recalled the journey, which saw him reaching new heights.

“From making my test debut under your captaincy to reach new heights together for your country, your passion and energy will be missed, but the legacy you leave behind is unmatched. Congratulations on a remarkable journey in the whites.”

In Kohli’s captaincy tenure, India won 40 wins in 68 matches. He was only behind Steve Waugh (41), Ricky Ponting (48) and Graeme Smith (53), who were winning more as test captains.

Under Kohli, India won its first far-flung Seema-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2018-19 series. At that time, the head coach of the side, Ravi Shastri, called the top-order batter a ‘modern day veteran company’.

“Can’t believe that you are. You are a modern day veteran company and a brilliant ambassador for Test match cricket you played. Thanks to the permanent memories given to you, and especially for me. This is something that I will cherish for life.

Can’t believe that you are doing. You are a modern -day veteran and was played by you and a brilliant ambassador for Test match cricket in every way under captaincy. Thank you for the permanent memories you have given, and especially for me. This is something that I will cherish for life. Go… pic.twitter.com/1TE6LFGDMX

– Ravi Shastri (@ravishastriofc) May 12, 2025

The architect of India, Rishabh Pant also wished Kohli for his future for the victory of historic BGT 2020-21.

“Intensity, passion, fight – you gave it everything, every once!

Intensity, passion, fight – you gave it everything, every once! Best wishes for what is next, @imvkohli Brother.

#Rp17 pic.twitter.com/jekh5Myogs

– Rishabh Pant (@Rishabhpant17) May 12, 2025

Virender Sehwag, one of India’s most successful inauguration batsmen, said that he knew that Kohli was special when he saw him.

“Congratulations to Virat for an incredible test career. When I saw you, I knew that you are special. The intensity you brought and the sheer passion with which you played Test cricket was a pleasure to watch. You were a great ambassador to Test cricket and wished you the best times in a day’s cricket,” Sehwag shared.

(Except for the headline, the story has not been edited by NDTV employees and is published by a syndicated feed.)