'Earned every bit of this goodbye': Anushka Sharma and other Bollywood celebs react to Virat Kohli's Test retirement

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma

Indian cricket stalwart and former captain Virat Kohli on Monday announced his retirement from Test cricket. Messages from fans of the game and cricketers poured in for Kohli after he made the announcement. Several took to social media to thank him for his immense contribution to India's Test cricket over the last 14 years.

Bollywood stars react to Kohli's retirement

Kohli's announcement of his retirement from the red-ball format was met with heartwarming messages directed at him.

One of the most heartwarming and emotional message came from Kohli's wife and actress Anushka Sharma. She shared a picture with Kohli on a cricket field and wrote, "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. I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler - and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege.

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."

Aparshakti Khurana took to the comment section of the post and wrote, "I feel happy to be born in an era where we witnessed it inch by inch! Rabbbb Charhdiyaaaan Kalaaan ich rakhey! Always."

Abhishek Banerjee wrote, "Thanks for making every Indian proud."

Farhan Akhtar wrote, "Congratulations on an incredible Test career and thanks for all the great memories."

Ranveer Singh, "One in a Billion! 👑 Go well, King!"

Neha Dhupia added, "The King 👑 … whose reign will never end in our hearts."

Virat Kohli announces Test retirement

The decision came after it was reported that Kohli had communicated his plans to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ahead of next month's five-match Test series against England.

"It's 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," Kohli wrote in his Instagram post.

"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. #269, signing off."

In less than a week, both Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from the longest format of the game, leaving the Indian team without much experience in the batting department.