English football club Manchester City recently took to social media to extend their congratulations to Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket. The iconic cricketer, who made his Test debut in 2011, bid farewell to the format after an illustrious career spanning 123 matches, where he amassed an impressive 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from red-ball cricket on Monday, May 12, through an emotional post on Instagram. In his heartfelt message, he reflected on his 14-year journey in Test cricket, expressing gratitude for the lessons learned and the experiences gained along the way. He acknowledged the personal nature of playing in whites, emphasizing the quiet grind, long days, and profound moments that have shaped his career.
Manchester City, currently ranked fourth in the 2024-25 Premier League standings with 65 points from 36 matches, paid tribute to Virat Kohli by sharing a post on Instagram featuring the cricketer and his wife, Anushka Sharma. The photo captured a moment from their visit to the 2023 FA Cup final, where City emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over Manchester United at Wembley Stadium. The caption conveyed well wishes to Kohli on his retirement from Test cricket.
Anushka Sharma, Kohli’s wife, also took to Instagram to share a touching post in honor of her husband’s retirement. She praised his resilience, dedication, and growth throughout his Test cricket career, acknowledging the sacrifices made and the unwavering love he has shown for the game. Anushka expressed her admiration for Kohli’s evolution as a cricketer and his decision to follow his heart in bidding farewell to the format.
Virat Kohli, the third-highest run scorer in ODI history with 14,181 runs, will continue to represent India in the limited-overs format. His retirement from Test cricket marks the end of an era in the sport, as fans and colleagues alike celebrate his contributions and legacy on the field.
In conclusion, Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has evoked a wave of emotions and tributes from the sporting community, with Manchester City and Anushka Sharma among those lauding his remarkable career. As Kohli embarks on a new chapter in his cricketing journey, his impact and influence in the game will continue to be celebrated for years to come.