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

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.

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"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.

"Your 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—you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career," the 'Master Blaster' added.

Head coach Gambhir, who had seen Kohli right from their domestic cricket days for Delhi, kept it short but heartfelt, "A man with lion's passion! Will miss u cheeks," he wrote on X.