'God' bows to 'King' as Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to Virat Kohli on Test retirement
Published - 12 May 2025, 04:54 PM | Updated - 12 May 2025, 05:51 PM
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Former Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar posted a heartfelt message for Virat Kohli as he announced his retirement from Test cricket. He said that the right-hander has given Indian cricket a new generation of passionate fans and players, apart from the runs that he scored.
India batter Virat Kohli took the massive decision on Monday (12th May) and retired from Test cricket. The batter took to his Instagram account and posted an emotional message, saying that although it wasn't an easy call for him, he felt it was the right time.
Virat Kohli made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2010
Virat Kohli made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 2010 and played his last game against Australia in Sydney in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. However, in between these two games, the India National Cricket Team batter conquered world cricket.
Kohli as a batter was unmatchable, but even more impressive was the way he made the India National Cricket Team a force to reckon with. He captained India for 7 long years, and in that, he completely changed the aura of Indian cricket on World cricket.
Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport - Sachin Tendulkar
As he retired from Test cricket, his idol Sachin Tendulkar recalled how the batter gave him a thread from his late father on his retirement. The former Mumbai player added that while he won't give the batter thread, he has his deepest admiration and very best wishes. Taking to his Twitter account, he said:
"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 may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport."
What an incredible Test career you have had - Sachin Tendulkar on Virat Kohli
Sachin Tendulkar added that Virat Kohli had an incredible Test career, and he gave Indian cricket more than runs. He pointed out how the batter gave India a new generation of passionate fans and players. He said:
"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. Congratulations on a very special Test career."
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
In the 123 games that he played in Test cricket, Virat Kohli scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His tally also included 30 Test tons and 31 fifties.
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