Sachin Tendulkar shares emotional story while lauding Virat Kohli after Test retirement announcement

Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Getty Images)

Star Indian batter, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12 ahead of the five-match Test series against England next month. Many fans and ex-cricketers alike reflected on his immense contributions to the game. Among them was legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who penned an emotional note to Kohli, remembering a deeply personal memory from his farewell Test in 2013.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played 123 matches, scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, and hammered 30 centuries. While these numbers may not be close to Tendulkar’s 15,921 runs and 51 centuries from 200 Tests, the 36-year-old’s impact on Indian Test cricket is huge.

Leading India in 68 Tests, the Delhi-born became the country’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins. Reacting to Kohli’s retirement, Tendulkar shared an emotional story on social media, remembering a gesture by a young Kohli during his final Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium in 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. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes,” Tendulkar wrote on X.

The former batter went on to mention Kohli’s legacy and what joy he has given to fans through his game. He congratulated the former Indian skipper and wished him luck for the future.

“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,” he added.

The modern day great’s Test career was more of highs than lows, including twin centuries in Adelaide in 2014 and being the top run-scorer in England in 2018. His golden period from 2016 to 2019 saw him dominate bowlers while his recent form in Tests saw a dip, ending in just two centuries over the last two years.