New Delhi: Team India star Shubman Gill paid rich tribute to the legendary Virat Kohli after he announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, May 12. Kohli, one of India’s most prolific batters across formats over the years, drew curtains on his illustrious Test career spanning over 14 years, ahead of India’s all-important tour of England next month.
Kohli was reportedly contemplating retirement for some time now and had communicated his decision to the BCCI before formally announcing it via a social media post on Monday. Tributes poured in for the premier batter from all corners as the cricketing world came to terms with the fact that Kohli decided to hang up his boots in his favourite format despite being 36.
Gill, who many believe can be the long-term successor to Kohli for India in all formats, took to social media to hail the former India captain after he decided to retire. Gill, who grew up watching Kohli bat and considers him an inspiration, hailed him for reshaping the mindset of millions and promised him to carry the same fire and commitment going forward.
“Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me. From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can – you’ve not just inspired a generation, you’ve reshaped the mindset of millions,” Gill wrote in a post on X.
“I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment. Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @imVkohli paji,” he added.
Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me.
From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can… pic.twitter.com/s6LhnPWbNK
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) May 12, 2025
Kohli, who made his Test debut against West Indies in Kingston on June 20, 2011, went on to become one of India’s best batters in the longest format. Though his red-ball career was filled with ups and downs, Kohli enjoyed a remarkable peak from 2014 to 2019, dominating bowling attacks in all sorts of conditions.
Kohli finished his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85. He smashed 30 centuries and 31 fifties in his Test career. Kohli is the fourth-highest run-getter of all time for India, behind only the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and Sunil Gavaskar. He will continue playing ODIs for India.
Team India star Shubman Gill paid tribute to former captain Virat Kohli in a heartfelt post on social media. Gill promised Kohli to carry the fire and commitment he showed for India in Tests. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
