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The Indian cricketing fraternity was left stunned earlier this month when Virat Kohli, one of the greatest cricketers of the modern era, announced his retirement from Test cricket. The news came just ahead of India‘s scheduled tour of England and sent shockwaves throughout the cricketing world, with tributes pouring in from past and present players, analysts, and devoted followers of the game. However, one of the most touching and heartfelt reactions came from a young admirer of Kohli, Hinaya Heer Plaha, the 8-year-old daughter of former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh.
Virat Kohli’s emotional interaction with Harbhajan Singh’s daughter post Test retirement
Recently in an interview, Harbhajan opened up about the emotional scene at home following Kohli’s announcement. As he sat watching the news break across TV channels and social media platforms, his daughter, Hinaya, who has been a huge admirer of Kohli, was visibly upset. What followed was a genuine moment of innocence, love, and emotional connection that captured the human side of the cricketing legend’s decision.
“The moment Virat announced his retirement from Test cricket, it was like something shook Hinaya. She just looked at me and said, ‘Papa, why did Virat Kohli take retirement? I want to message him and ask why he won’t play Tests anymore,” Harbhajan was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
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Moved by her emotional reaction, Harbhajan allowed his daughter to draft a message to Kohli, hoping that reaching out to her cricketing hero would provide some comfort. Without overthinking, Hinaya wrote a message straight from the heart:
“I am Hinaya. Why did you take retirement?,” Hinaya wrote.
To the surprise and joy of Hinaya and perhaps even Harbhajan himself Kohli responded. His message was not filled with formal explanations or public relations statements. It was something much more human, more tender.
“Beta, now it’s time,” Kohli responded.
While the retirement has left many disappointed, it’s also the perfect moment to reflect on Kohli’s monumental contribution to Test cricket. With 123 Test matches, 9,230 runs, a staggering 30 centuries, 31 fifties, and a top score of 254 not out, Kohli has firmly cemented his place among the greatest batters in the format’s history.
