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Indian cricketing giant Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket through a deeply emotional Instagram post, bringing an end to a 14-year-long saga filled with runs, grit, passion, and legacy.
While the cricketing world saluted the modern-day legend, Bollywood’s biggest names joined in to express their admiration, love, and gratitude for a player who transcended sport. Kohli shared an image of himself in India’s iconic white Test jersey with a moving caption that reflected the emotional weight of his decision. His wife, actor Anushka Sharma, soon followed with her own heartfelt message that captured the years of toil, triumphs, and unseen struggles a behind-the-scenes narrative few ever knew. Her tribute echoed the sentiments of millions. And it wasn’t long before the walls of Bollywood began reverberating with reactions to what many consider the end of an era.
From Ranveer Singh to Sahiba Bali: B-Town bids emotional goodbye to Virat Kohli’s Test career
1. Vicky Kaushal
Among the first to react was Vicky Kaushal, a diehard cricket fan himself. On his Instagram stories, he re-shared Kohli’s post and added:
“You did it your way, and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations on an incredibly inspiring Test career and thank you for the memories, Champ!,” Vicky wrote.
Vicky’s words, while brief, summed up the collective admiration for Kohli’s unorthodox journey and unmatched intensity on the Test stage.
2. Suniel Shetty
Veteran actor and passionate sports lover Suniel Shetty posted a powerful tribute that oozed admiration:
“You didn’t just play Test cricket, Virat. You lived it. You honoured it, breathed fire, wore your heart on your sleeve… Your passion is like armour. The roar. The grit. The obsession. The heart. Take a bow, champ. The red-ball rests, but your legacy races on,” Suniel wrote.
Suniel’s words highlighted the gladiatorial spirit with which Kohli approached red-ball cricket — never backing down, never taking a backward step.
3. Ranveer Singh
The ever-expressive Ranveer Singh kept it simple but impactful and commented:
“One in a Billion! Go well, King!”
Known for his energy and flair, Ranveer’s message was full of reverence, fitting for a man who, like Kohli, wore his heart on his sleeve.
4. Angad Bedi
Angad Bedi, whose father Bishan Singh Bedi was a cricketing legend himself, wrote one of the most emotionally layered tributes:
“Go well my brother and thank you for the memories.. the tears.. the sweat and blood you have put in.. wished to see the 269 test cap go from the field.. test cricket will never be the same. I have a lump in my throat as i write this.. but you have set the bar way too high for someone to carry your legacy forward. Been wonderful to have known you personally.. and to have followed your career soo closely. God bless the KING @virat.kohli .Stay well my cheekoo.. love to the family. Waheguru chardikala vich rakhe humesha love and prayers angad bedi. He also added a heartfelt nod to Kohli’s Test cap,” Angad wrote.
5. Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan went a step further and shared a tribute video compiling some of Kohli’s greatest Test moments, from his debut in 2011 to his majestic centuries across the globe. The clip was captioned with an emotional message about what his absence will mean for Indian cricket in the longer format.
Also READ: All 10 IPL franchises pay heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli on his Test retirement
6. Sahiba Bali
Actor Sahiba Bali, known for her cheeky wit, added a bit of levity while still acknowledging the emotion:
“Ab toh England series ko backyard cricket maan ke khel lo,” Translation: “Now just treat the England series like backyard cricket and play,” It was both a humorous nudge and a heartfelt wish for Kohli to reconsider, mirroring what so many fans secretly hoped.
7. Neha Dhupia
Neha Dhupia called Kohli’s retirement “personal”, a sentiment that resonated with many Indians who felt emotionally invested in Kohli’s Test journey, his centuries, his on-field aggression, his famous celebrations, and the moments of vulnerability.
8. Saiyami Kher
Actor and ardent cricket admirer Saiyami Kher summed up the collective disbelief and nostalgia of millions with a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket:
“Really didn’t see this coming. He added colour to the Test whites! Put his heart to the purest form – made Test cricket cool again. No Rohit. No Virat. The end of an era, and what a legacy they leave behind,” Saiyami wrote.
Really didn’t see this coming. He added colour to the Test whites! Put his heart to the purest form – made Test cricket cool again. No Rohit. No Virat. The end of an era — and what a legacy they leave behind. #ThankYouVirat #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/KW7tyjNsAK
— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) May 12, 2025
Her words beautifully captured Kohli’s unmatched ability to ignite passion in a format that many had once feared was losing its sheen. With his fearless batting, infectious energy, and firebrand leadership, Kohli turned Test matches into blockbusters.
Stars who quietly acknowledged the moment
Several top stars quietly liked Kohli’s retirement post, showing silent solidarity:
- Katrina Kaif
- Rajkummar Rao
- Ananya Panday
- Samantha Ruth Prabhu
- Aditya Seal
- Badshah
- Huma Qureshi
- Gajraj Rao
Some dropped emojis, some refrained from words, but their gesture spoke volumes.
Also READ: DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai comments on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement during ‘Operation Sindoor’ briefing
