Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. Indian cricketer Virat Kohli revealed his decision to retire from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. Following his announcement, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to social media to share a heartfelt post, congratulating Kohli on his remarkable Test career. Tendulkar also fondly recalled Kohli’s touching gesture from 12 years ago.
Kohli’s retirement comes just five days after Rohit Sharma’s announcement of his own retirement from Test cricket. Sharma made his retirement announcement on May 7. Both veteran players, however, will continue to play for India in ODIs. Interestingly, Kohli and Sharma both retired from T20 internationals simultaneously in June of last year, following India’s victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Reports suggest that Kohli had been in discussions with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding his Test retirement for the past month. Despite the BCCI encouraging him to reconsider and remain available for India’s upcoming Test series against England in June, Kohli chose to stand by his decision.
Sachin Tendulkar Remembers Virat Kohli’s Heartfelt Gesture from 12 Years Ago
After Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket with an Instagram post on Monday, May 12, numerous former and current cricketers took to social media to congratulate him on his illustrious career. Among them was Sachin Tendulkar, who shared a tribute to Kohli on X (formerly Twitter).
In his post, Sachin Tendulkar reflected on a touching gesture Kohli had made 12 years ago, when Tendulkar retired from Test cricket. Kohli had offered him a sacred thread from his late father as a gift.
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered me a thread from your late father. It was too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since,” Tendulkar wrote.
“Though I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you have my deepest admiration and best wishes,” the 52-year-old added. Sachin Tendulkar also congratulated Kohli for his remarkable career in Test cricket.
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… pic.twitter.com/JaVzVxG0mQ
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 12, 2025
Tendulkar, it is worth noting, retired from all forms of cricket in November 2013 following his final Test match against the West Indies. He played a total of 200 Tests for India, which remains a record for any player to date.
In contrast, Kohli is currently part of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) and will return to play for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) once the BCCI resumes the tournament. The 2025 IPL was suspended by the BCCI last week due to security concerns. So far, Kohli has been the leading run-scorer for RCB in the season.
