Virat Kohli’s retirement from test cricket drew tributes for the India superstar, with former opponents, teammates and officials insisting his impact should be measured not just by his numbers but how he changed his country鈥檚 attitude toward the longer format.
Kohli brought a 14-year test career to a close on Monday.
Here’s some of the reaction to Kohli鈥檚 decision to step away from a format for which he remained a huge advocate amid the startling rise of Twenty20 cricket:
___
鈥淏iggest brand of the modern cricket era who gave it all for cricket鈥檚 oldest format. Test cricket owes that debt to Virat Kohli.鈥 鈥 former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar.
___
鈥淐ongratulations on a phenomenal test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn鈥檛 just win matches 鈥 you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard. A true torchbearer of modern Indian test cricket.鈥 鈥 former India allrounder Irfan Pathan.
___
鈥淎ll the best on your test retirement, Virat Kohli. While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you鈥檝e made behind the scenes,鈥 鈥 former Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya.
___
鈥淵our 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 鈥 you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career.鈥 鈥 India great Sachin Tendulkar.
___
鈥淚n my time playing and broadcasting no individual has done as much for test cricket as Virat Kohli ... his passion, energy and commitment to the greatest format has helped so much.” 鈥 former England captain Michael Vaughan.
___
鈥淐ongrats to my biscotti Virat Kohli on an epic test career! Your determination & skill have always inspired me. True legend! 鈥 former South Africa captain AB de Villiers.
___
鈥淐ongratulations Virat Kohli on a stellar test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment.鈥 鈥 ICC chairman Jay Shah.
___
鈥淭est cricket brought out the fighter in you and you gave it everything! You played the way greats do, with hunger in your heart, fire in your belly and pride in every stride. Proud of what you鈥檝e done in whites. Go well King Kohli!鈥 鈥 former India batter Yuvraj Singh.
___
鈥淚llustrious legacy. Inspiring intensity. Incredible icon. The former India captain gave it all to test cricket. Thank you for the memories in whites, Virat Kohli.鈥 鈥 the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
___
鈥淐an鈥檛 believe you are done. You are a modern-day GIANT and were a fantastic ambassador for test match cricket in every way you played and captained. Thank you for the lasting memories you鈥檝e given to everyone, and to me in particular. It鈥檚 something I will cherish for life. Go well, champ.鈥 鈥 former India coach Ravi Shastri.
___
AP cricket:
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation