Virat Kohli’s farewell message, ending with “#269, signing off,” carries profound emotional significance. The number 269 isn’t just a statistic—it represents his Test cap number, marking his place in the rich legacy of Indian cricket. Every Test player is assigned a unique number upon debut, and Kohli’s identity in the format has been intertwined with this badge of honor.
Virat Kohli’s retirement
The 36-year-old wrote a heartfelt post on Instagram announcing his decision. “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli said.
“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,” he added.
The former captain said that the decision was not easy, but it is right, adding that he has given everything he had in him to the longest format of the game.
“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.”
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