Siraj pens emotional farewell letter to 'superhero' Virat Kohli

IANS May 12, 2025 481 views

Indian cricketer Mohammed Siraj has written a heartfelt tribute to Virat Kohli following his Test cricket retirement. Siraj, who made his debut under Kohli's extended leadership, praised Kohli as his "superhero" and acknowledged his inspirational impact on younger cricketers. Kohli's Test career spans remarkable achievements including 9230 runs and 30 centuries across 123 matches. The farewell messages from teammates like Siraj and KL Rahul underscore Kohli's significant legacy in Indian cricket.

"Your legacy will stay forever. You have inspired generations of cricketers like me" - Mohammed Siraj
Siraj pens emotional farewell letter to 'superhero' Virat Kohli
New Delhi, May 12: India pacer Mohammed Siraj took to social media to congratulate his 'superhero' after India batter Virat Kohli called curtains to his glorious time in Test cricket.

Key Points

1

Kohli retires with 9230 Test runs and 30 centuries

2

Siraj credits Kohli for motivation and support

3

Emotional farewell from teammates highlights Kohli's leadership

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, announced his retirement from red-ball cricket on Monday through a social media post. He finished his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 matches at an impressive average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

Siraj made his Test debut during India's historic win at the 2020 Border Gavaskar Trophy. Although Kohli was the captain of the side heading into the series, he was forced to fly back to India for the birth of his first child which resulted in Siraj getting his debut cap by stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane during the second Test at Melbourne.

"To my superhero, Congratulations on this wonderful career you had in test cricket. Your legacy will stay forever. You have inspired generations of cricketers like me and will continue to do so with your achievements and how you have carried yourself bhaiya.

"Dressing room won't be the same without you. Thank you for always backing me and motivating me to do well. Wish you the best. King @virat.kohli Bhaiya," posted Siraj on Instagram.

India wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul made his debut during India's tour of Australia in 2014 in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in what turned out to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni's final game as India's Test captain. Rahul, who was only able to score five runs across both innings, had a front row seat to Kohli's most fruitful innings in Down Under as he scored a fabulous 169.

Kohli's tenure as India's most successful captain in the next game, which saw him win 40 of his 68 games at the helm, during the fourth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Rahul stated he will 'miss the arm around the shoulder.'

"What a journey it's been. Watching you give everything in whites was a privilege. More than the numbers, it's your passion, discipline, and love for the game that will stay with us. Grateful for the memories, guidance and friendship. I'll miss the arm around the shoulder, slip banter, and long dinner chats. Lots of love, see u soon, bro," posted Rahul.

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Such a beautiful tribute from Siraj! 🥲 Virat's influence goes beyond just runs - the way he mentored young players like Siraj shows his true leadership. That 2020 BGT win without him proved how strong the culture he built was. End of an era!
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Priya M.
Emotional day for Indian cricket fans 😢 Kohli redefined Test batting for our generation. Remember waking up at 4 AM to watch his overseas centuries! Hope he continues in white-ball cricket for few more years. #ThankYouKingKohli
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Arjun S.
Respectful criticism - wish Kohli had played 2-3 more years to complete 10,000 Test runs. But family comes first, and we should respect his decision. His 2018 England tour alone deserves a documentary!
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Sneha P.
That 169 at MCG Rahul mentioned - I was there in the stands! 🇮🇳 The way Kohli batted with tailenders showed his true character. Now who will give us those aggressive celebrations after taking wickets? 😅
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Vikram J.
Siraj's journey from Hyderabad streets to Test cricket under Kohli's captaincy is what dreams are made of! These emotional bonds show why cricket is more than just a game in India. Well said by both players 👏
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Neha R.
As a woman cricket fan, I'll miss Kohli's intensity the most. He made Test cricket cool for our generation. That Perth century in 2018 was pure gold! Hope BCCI organizes a proper farewell match at Kotla 🙏

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Tags:
Virat Kohli Mohammed Siraj Indian Cricket Test Cricket Retirement Cricket Farewell