MUMBAI: Indian cricket great Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable 14-year career. The announcement drew heartfelt tributes from Bollywood celebrities, who took to social media to honour his contribution to the sport and the nation.
Actor Ranveer Singh expressed his admiration with the message, “One in a billion! Go well, King.” Vicky Kaushal echoed the sentiment on his Instagram story, saying, “You did it your way and that way will truly be missed. Congratulations on an incredibly inspirational Test career and thank you for the memories, champ.”
Veteran actor Suniel Shetty reflected on Kohli’s intensity and commitment to the red-ball format. “You didn’t just play Test cricket, Virat. You lived it. You honoured it, wore your heart on your sleeve, and played with passion and grit,” he wrote.
The most personal message came from Kohli’s wife, actress Anushka Sharma, who shared an emotional post recalling the struggles and silent sacrifices behind his public success. “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 love you gave to this format of the game,” she wrote.
Kohli’s decision has sparked nostalgia and reflection across the cricketing world. With over 8,800 Test runs and numerous iconic performances, his impact is beyond statistics. The outpouring of affection from Bollywood reaffirms the cricketer’s cross-industry influence and his place as a national hero.
