'Played with heart, grit, pride': Cricket world salutes Kohli on Test retirement

A host of past and present stars paid heartfelt tributes to the former Team India skipper

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Moments after Virat Kohli brought the cricketing world to a standstill by announcing his retirement and drawing the curtain on a glittering 14-year Test career during which he featured in 123 matches amassing 9,230 runs, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, reactions from the cricketing fraternity flooded in on social media with the likes of India head coach Gautam Gambhir and his idol Sachin Tendulkar headlining the praise.

"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 may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes," Sachin wrote.