Shubman Gill promises to carry Virat Kohli's 'Fire & Commitment', Mohammed Siraj pens emotional 'Superhero' message

On Monday, May 12, the India National Cricket Team modern-day great, Virat Kohli, took to Instagram to officially announce his retirement from Test cricket.

As he announced his retirement, tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, and several current and former cricketers congratulated him on his remarkable career and wished him luck for the future.

Also Read: Virat Kohli mentioned by DGMO in Indian Armed Forces' Operation Sindoor briefing

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I know how much Test cricket meant to you - Shubman Gill on Virat Kohli

The speculations were rife about the retirement of Virat Kohli for the past few days, as several media outlets reported that he has conveyed his retirement decision to the BCCI.

Reportedly, BCCI tried to convince Virat Kohli to reverse his decision and travel with Team India to England for a high-octane five-match Test series, but the batter didn't agree.

Hours after Kohli retired from Test cricket, his India teammate Shubman Gill paid a tribute to him. In a message shared on his official social media handles, Shubman Gill highlighted Kohli's impact on him and was hopeful of carrying forward his fire and commitment. He elaborated:

"Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you've had on me. From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field - to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can - you've not just inspired a generation, you've reshaped the mindset of millions.

"I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment. Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @virat.kohli paji."

Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me.

From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field - to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can… pic.twitter.com/s6LhnPWbNK

— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) May 12, 2025

To my superhero, Congratulations on this wonderful career - Mohammed Siraj

Virat Kohli's another teammate, Mohammed Siraj, who is an admirer of the batting great, penned an emotional message on his retirement. In his post, Mohammed Siraj labelled Kohli as his superhero and said that the Indian dressing room won't be the same without him. He stated:

"To my superhero, Congratulations on this wonderful career you had in test cricket. Your legacy will stay forever.

"You have inspired generations of cricketers like me and will continue to do so with your achievements and how you have carried yourself bhaiya. Dressing room won't be the same without you. Thank you for always backing me and motivating me to do well. Wish you the best. King WWW @virat.kohli Bhaiya."

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A post shared by Mohammed Siraj (@mohammedsirajofficial)

Test cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything - Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh also shared a message for Virat Kohli on X, stating that he played like a great cricketer throughout his career and wished him luck for the future. He wrote:

"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! @imVkohli."

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! @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/ydJBA9W1I8

— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) May 12, 2025

Kohli finished his career with 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 in 123 matches. Also, he captained India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, losing 17, and drawing 11.