Sachin Tendulkar reveals Virat Kohli gave ‘Indian cricket so much more than just’ what?
Indian batsman Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket this week.
Kohli, who retired from T20I competition last year, will remain available for ODI selection.
Kohli and fellow former captain Sachin Tendulkar’s Test careers coincided for two years from 2011 to 2013.
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since,” Tendulkar wrote on social media.
“While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes. Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport.
“What an incredible Test career you have had. You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.”
Tendulkar has scored the most runs in the history of Test cricket with 15,921 in 200 matches at an average of 53.78.
Kohli is the fourth highest run-scorer in Test cricket for India with 9,230 in 123 matches and an average of 46.85.
“It has been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” said Kohli.
“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for.
“I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”
Kohli hit 30 Test centuries. Nine have come against England and five each against Australia and Sri Lanka. He scored three each against New Zealand, South Africa and West Indies – and two against England.
His highest Test score was 254 not out against South Africa in Pune in 2019. He has hit five other Test double-centuries in India.
Kohli’s highest Test score outside India was 2016’s 200 against the West Indies in North Sound.
He captained India in 68 Tests. He won 40 – 24 at home and 16 away. He lost 17 and drew 11.
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