Whites Off, Crown Intact: Tributes Pour In As Virat Kohli Bids Adieu To Test Cricket

The Cricket fraternity extended tribute to the legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli after the Indian stalwart hung up his boots from Test cricket, finishing an illustrious career with 9,230 runs in 123 matches, including a stellar 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Kohli announced his retirement from the longest form of the game on Monday via an Instagram post. "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket... There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it's not easy — but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for.

"I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off," the post read.

"Whites off, crown intact, Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy," the International Cricket Council shared in Instagram.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India congratulated Virat for his stellar career, saying that an era of test cricket ends with Virat's retirement, but his legacy will continue forever.

"Thank you, Virat Kohli! An era ends in Test cricket, but the legacy will continue FOREVER! @imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket. His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!" it posted on X.

Virat's IPL franchise, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shared a broken heart emoji on X and posted, "Thank You, Virat. #269 Test Cricket will never be the