Huge congrats on a stellar cricket career: UFC fighter Conor McGregor on Virat Kohli's test retirement

ANI May 13, 2025 463 views

Virat Kohli has announced his retirement from Test cricket after a stellar 14-year career. UFC superstar Conor McGregor took to Instagram to congratulate the Indian batting legend. Kohli leaves the format as India's fourth-highest run-scorer with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries. His prime years between 2016-2019 saw him dominate with seven double centuries as captain.

"Enjoy retirement, brother Virat! Huge congrats on a stellar cricket career!" – Conor McGregor
New Delhi May 13: Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter Conor McGregor has congratulated stalwart batter Virat Kohli who announced his decision to retire from Test cricket.

Key Points

1

Virat Kohli retires with 9,230 Test runs and 30 centuries

2

McGregor applauds Kohli's dominance in cricket

3

Kohli's peak years included 7 double tons as captain

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Struggled in early 2020s but rebounded in 2023

Kohli's decision marked an end to an illustrious 14-year-old career which saw him dominate a variety of conditions, regions, and opponents in whites, both as a batter and captain.

Conor McGregor posted on his Instagram, "Enjoy retirement, brother Virat! Huge congrats on a stellar cricket career!

In his Test career, the 36-year-old made 123 appearances in white clothing, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties in 210 innings and the best score of 254*. He is India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format, behind Sachin Tendulkar (15,921 runs), Rahul Dravid (13,265 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122 runs).

Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. While his first Test tour was a massive disappointment with just 76 runs in five innings, a young Virat made a name for himself with some serious, counter-attacking knocks in the coming days. His rise as a Test player started with his maiden ton against Australia at Adelaide in 2012, when he made 116 in 213 balls.

Between 2016 to 2019, Virat had one of the strongest batting primes ever for a Test cricketer, piling up 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at an average of 66.79, with 16 centuries and 10 fifties in 69 innings and the best score of 254*. This also included seven double centuries, most by a captain in Test cricket history.

However, the 2020s have not been great for the superstar batter, having made just 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at an underwhelming average of 30.72, with just three centuries and nine fifties to show in 69 innings. His numbers received a boost from a fine 2023, where he made 671 runs in eight Tests at an average of 55.91, with two centuries and two fifties in 12 innings.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
What a legend! Virat redefined Test cricket for India with his aggressive approach. That 2016-2019 period was pure magic - scoring runs everywhere from England to Australia. Even McGregor recognizing his greatness shows how big Kohli's impact has been globally. 🇮🇳🏏
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Priya M.
Interesting to see an MMA fighter appreciating cricket! Goes to show Virat's universal appeal. His passion on the field was unmatched - whether scoring centuries or cheering for teammates. That Adelaide 2014 century when we were 48/5 will remain my favorite Kohli moment.
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Arjun S.
Respect to McGregor for this gesture. But honestly, I wish Virat had played 2-3 more years to cross 10,000 Test runs. He was so close! Still, what a career - from that brash young Delhi boy to becoming India's most complete Test batsman after Tendulkar.
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Sneha P.
The numbers don't lie - 30 centuries and 7 double tons! But more than stats, it was his attitude that changed Indian cricket. We stopped being happy with draws abroad and started hunting for wins. That's Virat's real legacy. Also cute to see fighters from other sports appreciating our cricket heroes 😊
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Vikram J.
While I appreciate McGregor's message, I do wish Virat had retired after a proper farewell series rather than suddenly. But no complaints - the man gave us 14 years of unforgettable cricket. That 2018 England tour where he carried the batting alone was superhuman stuff!
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Neha R.
The fact that even non-cricket athletes know Virat shows how big he became! His fitness revolution changed how Indian cricketers approach the game. That 254* against SA was peak Kohli - perfect technique meets unstoppable determination. Wishing King Kohli a happy retirement! 👑

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Virat Kohli Conor McGregor Test cricket retirement Cricket legends UFC