Sachin Tendulkar has joined the rest of the cricketing community in paying tribute to Virat Kohli after the former Indian captain announced his retirement on Tuesday. Virat Kohli hangs his cap ahead of the India vs England series, having played 123 Tests. Sachin, who saw Virat succeed him in the No.4 spot, penned a beautiful tribute to the retiring Indian legend.
My deepest admiration and very best wishes: Sachin on Virat’s Test retirement
On Tuesday, Virat Kohli took to Instagram to confirm his retirement from Test cricket. The 36-year-old had conveyed his decision to the BCCI a few days earlier. The Indian Cricket Board tried to convince the former captain to consider otherwise, but Kohli proceeded to end his Test career.
Tributes have since poured in for Virat Kohli, who was among the pioneers in Test cricket’s revival. Kohli retires as India’s greatest Test captain, the 36-year-old can hold his head high in after an incredible career. Virat took over the mantle from Sachin Tendulkar 12 years ago, and the Master Blaster reserved high praise for his successor.
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes,” Sachin Tendulkar wrote on X.
When Sachin had retired from Tests, Virat Kohli had offered the sacred thread that his father had given him. While Sachin initially acccepted, he returned the gesture, considering it too personal and invaluable.
Like Tendulkar had once done, Virat Kohli inspired generations of youngsters to pick up the bat and play cricket. The ‘God of Cricket’ further wrote that Virat had given more than just runs to Indian cricket.
“Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career,
The post ‘More than just runs,’ Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to Virat Kohli after Test retirement appeared first on Inside Sport India.