NewKerala.com

Key Points

Cricket legends Michael Vaughan and David Warner led heartfelt tributes after Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement. Vaughan declared no player has contributed more to Test cricket than Kohli in his era. Warner reminisced about their early battles, calling Kohli a "serious competitor" who inspired greatness. Kohli bows out as India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer, following teammate Ashwin's recent retirement. The sport loses another red-ball giant as Kohli steps away after 9,230 Test runs.

Key Points: Vaughan Warner Hail Virat Kohli After Test Retirement

  • Vaughan credits Kohli for elevating Test cricket
  • Warner recalls early rivalry with Virat
  • Kohli retires as India's 4th-highest Test scorer
  • Follows Ashwin's recent Test retirement
2 min read

No individual has done as much for Test cricket: Vaughan, Warner pay heartfelt tribute after Virat's retirement

Michael Vaughan and David Warner pay emotional tributes to Virat Kohli following his retirement from Test cricket, praising his unmatched legacy.

"In my time playing and broadcasting, no individual has done as much for Test cricket as Virat Kohli – Michael Vaughan"

New Delhi, May 12

Former England captain Michael Vaughan and Australia's decorated opener David Warner paid homage to Virat Kohli's illustrious career after the Indian batting mainstay announced his retirement from the Test format.

The world stood silent on Monday morning when days of speculation turned into reality after Virat called it a day on his distinguished career in the red-ball format. The 36-year-old dropped a heart-stirring note on Instagram to confirm that the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia was the grand stage for his last dance.

Tributes poured in not just from India but all over the globe. Vaughan sang a verse in Virat's praise and couldn't single out any individual who had done as much for Test cricket as the Indian stalwart.

"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 mantle," Vaughan wrote on X.

Warner, one of the most illustrious openers to don a Baggy Green, took a trip down memory lane and reminisced about his first encounter with the Indian. Warner thanked Virat for bringing the best out of others.

"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," Warner wrote on Instagram.

"Wow, did you not disappoint? Thank you for being you, which got the best out of all of us who competed against you. Enjoy the time now away from the whites. Enjoy the extra family time. Thanks @virat.kohli," he concluded.

Virat's exit from red-ball cricket has continued the trend of exodus from the format in the Indian setup. Before the Indian batting bigwigs, the illustrious frontline off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin called it a day on his international career midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year.

In a career that rejigged the demands of the game, Virat's unparalleled contributions saw him rack up 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, with 30 centuries and 31 fifties and finish as India's fourth-highest run-getter in the format.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
End of an era! 😢 Virat brought so much aggression and passion to Test cricket. Remember how he made us believe we could win overseas? That 2018 England series was pure magic. Hope the youngsters learn from his dedication. #KingKohli 👑
P
Priya M.
While I respect Virat's contributions, I wish he'd played a couple more years to guide the new generation. Our Test team looks shaky without experienced players. But what a career! 30 Test centuries is no joke. Respect from a cricket-crazy Bengali!
A
Arjun S.
Vaughan is absolutely right - no one promoted Test cricket like Virat. Remember how he made even test matches exciting with his energy? That Adelaide knock in 2014 still gives me goosebumps. Hope BCCI honors him properly at Wankhede or Kotla!
S
Sneha R.
As a woman cricket fan, I loved how Virat always played with heart on sleeve. That Perth century against Australia - pure class! But I do worry about our Test future with so many retirements. Who will be our new Wall now?
V
Vikram J.
Warner's words show true sportsmanship. Remember that 2014 Adelaide test where Virat nearly won us the match single-handedly? That's when I knew he was special. But let's not forget Dravid's contribution in shaping his career. Guru-shishya parampara at its best!
N
Neha P.
Emotional day for Indian cricket fans 😭 From that debut against West Indies to becoming our most successful Test captain - what a journey! His fitness standards changed Indian cricket forever. Hope he continues in ODIs and T20s for few more years!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50