Anushka Sharma, actor and wife of former India Test captain Virat Kohli, shared a heartfelt tribute after Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. Kohli’s emotional exit from the longest format of the game brings the curtain down on a remarkable 14-year journey that began in 2011 and ended in 2025. Known for his intensity, leadership, and passion for red-ball cricket, Kohli’s retirement came as a surprise to many, especially as it was declared just weeks before India’s much-anticipated five-match Test series against England, starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds.
In a moving Instagram post, Anushka expressed admiration for Kohli’s dedication and resilience, emphasizing the emotional and personal sacrifices that came with his cricketing journey. She wrote about how people will remember the stats and records, but she would cherish the unseen tears, silent struggles, and undying love Kohli gave to Test cricket. She reflected on how he evolved through every series and that while she had imagined his career ending in whites, she respected his decision to follow his heart.
Her message read, “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game... Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.” Virat Kohli responded to the emotional tribute with several heart emojis, clearly moved by her words. Fans across the country and cricketing world echoed similar sentiments, marking the end of an era in Indian cricket.
Virat Kohli retires having played 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85. His red-ball career includes 30 centuries and 31 fifties, establishing him as one of the most successful and consistent Test batsmen in modern cricket. Kohli debuted in 2011 against West Indies and registered his first Test century in Adelaide in 2012, a moment that set the tone for his dominance in the format.
His time as captain saw India rise to the top of the Test rankings, win overseas series in Australia, and develop a fierce, competitive culture in red-ball cricket. Despite recent controversies and intense media scrutiny, including a social media stir involving a fan account of actor Avneet Kaur, Kohli remained a figure of professionalism and discipline. The couple, who married in 2017, are parents to two children Vamika and Akaay. As Kohli steps away from Test cricket, he leaves behind not just a stellar record but also a legacy defined by passion, discipline, and a fierce love for the game. His decision to retire ahead of a high-profile series hints at a deeply personal and introspective decision one that marks a new phase both in his life and in Indian cricket.
