Reactions aplenty as Virat Kohli departs Test cricket

Scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, and also leading his country 68 times (the most by an India skipper), Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket via Instagram on Monday.

ICC Chair, Jay Shah congratulated Virat Kohli on a stellar Test career, and went on to praise his commitment to the game.

Kohli's post discussed his time in the Indian Test setup.

"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," the post read.

"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.

"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."

Following Kohli's announcement, reactions came in across the cricket world.

India pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who made his Test debut under Kohli's captaincy, took to his social media to express gratitude to the former India skipper - gushing plaudits of the legacy he leaves behind.

India's batting star on the rise, Shubman Gill also heaped praise on Kohli's Test career, and how the former India skipper has inspired him.

Indian seamer Mohammed Siraj thanked Kohli for inspiring a generation of cricketers, and backing him as a leader.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir also penned an admiring note for Kohli, praising his passion for the longest format of the game.

India great and Kohli's childhood hero, Sachin Tendulkar also reserved a high praise for the Indian batting talisman, highlighting his contribution in inspiring young cricketers to pick up the sport.

Ravi Shastri, who was the former India head coach with Virat Kohli at the helm, penned a heartwarming note for the India icon.

India wicketkeeper-batter duo of Rishabh Pant, who also made his Test debut in 2018 under Kohli's captaincy, and Dhruv Jurel also paid tribute to Kohli, making special note of his committment to Test cricket.

Long-time teammate Cheteshwar Pujara as quick to show his praise for Kohli's career.

As was India women's great Jhulan Goswami.

Going toe-to-toe in the Test arena, though also with experience sharing a dressing room in white-ball cricket, South Africa legend and ICC Hall of Famer AB de Villiers was one of the first to pay tribute to his contemporary.

There has been public mutual respect between the two, with Kohli penning a letter to De Villiers upon his Hall of Fame induction late last year.

Former Australia opener David Warner also commended Kohli's competitive spirit, and his contribution to Indian cricket.

Bollywood movie star and Kohli's partner, Anushka Sharma also penned down an emotional note on Kohli's career in all-whites.

Other international players and former foes on the field also gave their well-wishes.

Having shared a dressing room with Kohli in both the Ranji and national setups, swashbuckling opener Virender Sehwag noted Kohli's intensity and passion as key ingredients for his ongoing success.

Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan believes Kohli left the India setup in a stronger position than when he started.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra believes Kohli's flare in the format will live long in the memory of cricket fans.

Former India international Wasim Jaffer hailed the entertainment of Kohli at the crease.

For broadcaster Harsha Bhogle, Kohli made Test cricket "cool" again to those who had feasted on shorter format cricket.

Having made his debut against the West Indies in 2011, Kohli cemented his place in the Test setup later in that year during the tour of Australia.

While other batters struggled as India failed to pick up the pace, Kohli improved each game and signed off with a brilliant 116, his first-ever Test hundred in Adelaide.

Kohli subsequently captained India in the red-ball format, securing 40 wins from his 68 Tests, making him the most successful Indian Men’s captain in Tests, in terms of wins.

He hangs up his spikes as the fourth-most successful Test captain overall, behind Graeme Smith (53 wins), Ricky Ponting (48 wins), and Steve Waugh (41 wins).