Dear Virat Kohli,
As you announce your retirement from Test cricket, the cricketing world stands united in admiration and gratitude for the incredible journey you have had over the past 14 years. Your decision to step away from the longest format marks the end of an era that has been defined by your relentless passion, unmatched intensity, and extraordinary skill.
From the moment you first donned the baggy blue in 2011, you embarked on a journey that tested and shaped you, teaching lessons that transcend the boundary ropes. Your 123 Test matches, 9,230 runs at an average close to 47, and 30 centuries are a testament to your greatness and consistency at the highest level. You brought a new energy and respect to Test cricket, making it cool again and inspiring a generation to appreciate the purity and challenge of the whites.
Under your leadership, India rose to the pinnacle of Test cricket, achieving historic overseas victories and setting new standards of fitness and determination. Your 68 matches as captain with 40 wins reflect your strategic acumen and ability to inspire your team to greatness. Your era will be remembered not just for the runs and records but for the spirit and dignity with which you played the game.
Your farewell may have been marked by challenges, but your heart and commitment never wavered. As you said, the quiet grind, the long days, and the unseen moments have left an indelible mark on you and all who witnessed your career. The gratitude you express for the game, your teammates, and the fans resonates deeply with all who have followed your journey.
As you sign off with #269, you leave behind a legacy that will inspire cricketers and fans alike for generations. Your impact goes beyond statistics; you have been a KING not only on the field but in the hearts of millions.
Thank you, Virat, for the memories, the inspiratio, and the passion. The game will miss your presence in Test cricket, but your spirit will forever remain a guiding light.
With deepest respect and admiration,
The Cricket Times
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