'We Weren't Ready': Cricket World Reacts as Kohli Quits Tests

'End of an era'

The cricketing fraternity on Monday paid glowing tributes to India's batting talisman Virat Kohli on his retirement from the longest format after an illustrious 14-year-career.

The 36-year-old Kohli quit Test cricket after scoring 9230 runs from 123 matches with 30 hundreds at an average of 46.85. He will only play in ODIs now, having already retired from T20 Internationals last year.
"An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue FOREVER!@imVkohli, the former Team India Captain retires from Test cricket," the BCCI said in a post on 'X'.

"His contributions to #TeamIndia will forever be cherished!" 

The ICC hailed Kohli as one of India's Test greats.

"One of India's Test greats calls time in the longest format. Whites off, crown intact. Virat Kohli bids goodbye to Test cricket, leaving behind an unmatched legacy," the ICC said.

ICC Chairman Jay Shah said wrote on X 'Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment.'

Jasprit Bumrah wrote: "From making my Test debut under your captaincy to reaching new heights together for our country, your passion and energy will be missed but the legacy you leave behind remains unmatched."

Shubman Gill, who is expected to be India's next Test skipper wrote on X: "Anything I write for you, paji (brother), 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."

India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal wrote: "The impact you've had on test cricket, and on cricket in India as a whole, is immeasurable. To have had the chance to share the pitch with you -- someone I looked up to for so many years -- was more than just a privilege; it was a moment I'll carry with me forever."

Ravi Shastri, wrote on X: "Can't 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've given to everyone, and to me in particular. It's something I will cherish for life."

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic congratulated star Indian batter Virat Kohli on his retirement from Test cricket on Monday.

"Incredible innings!" he commented on Kohli's Instagram post.

Kohli's IPL team said it will miss their star player and former captain from the Test arena.

"The walk, Those shots, Those expressions, Those celebrations. We'll miss them all. We'll miss them all."

"The curtain falls on a monumental Test Era. But his legacy lives on, etched in time and carved in pride. Thank you, Virat Kohli, for the fire, the bravery, and the unmatched passion. You didn't just play this format, you elevated it."

His former team-mate Ajinkya Rahane wrote, "It's been a special journey sharing the field with you, @virat.kohli. So many great memories and partnerships together. Congratulations on an amazing Test career!"

Former India pacer Irfan Pathan described Kohli as "a true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket".

"Congratulations on a phenomenal Test career, Virat Kohli. As captain, you didn't just win matches, you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard."

IPL franchise Delhi Capitals said "We weren't ready for this."

Former England captain Michael Vaughan wrote: "In 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 .. I hope the next generation of Indian players take on his mantel"

Sanath Jayasuriya wrote: "While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes."

Rishi Sunak, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom wrote: "Sad we won't get to see @imVkohli one last time this summer. He has been a legend of the game: a superb batsman, an astute captain and a formidable competitor who always understood the true value of Test cricket.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu wrote on X: "Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket concludes a remarkable chapter in Indian sports. His passion, discipline, and leadership have inspired millions and brought great pride to the nation."

David Warner wrote: "Absolute legend of our game. I'll never forget our first game against each other when we were young. I thought this guy was a serious competitor and going to be great, someone everyone would admire.

"You had to fill the shoes of some great players to ever play for India and carry the nation. Wow, did you not disappoint? Thank you for being you, which got the best out of all of us who competed against you."

Harbhajan Singh also took to X and wrote: "Virat, we've shared that era ... faced the grind together, lived the long days of Test cricket with pride. Your batting in whites is special — not just in numbers, but in intent, intensity, and inspiration. Good luck going forward."