Virat Kohli has finally addressed his decision to retire from Test cricket for the first time since making the surprise announcement on May 12, 2025. The cricket icon opened up during a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh’s foundation, YouWeCan, in London, where many legendary players including Chris Gayle, Sachin Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen, Brian Lara, and Ravi Shastri were in attendance.
Speaking on stage after being invited by host Gaurav Kapoor, Kohli shared a lighthearted yet emotional take on his retirement. “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days,” he joked, drawing smiles from the audience.
This was Kohli’s first public reflection since stepping away from red-ball cricket at age 36, leaving behind a legacy of 123 Tests, over 9,000 runs, and numerous historic victories.
Kohli Pays Tribute to Ravi Shastri and Yuvraj Singh
Kohli spoke at length about his bond with former head coach Ravi Shastri, crediting him as a pillar of support during crucial phases of his Test career. “If I wasn’t working with him, what happened in Test cricket wouldn’t have been possible. He backed me when I needed it most. He took the bullets during press conferences and shielded me when things got tough,” Kohli said.
He also reminisced about the early days of his international career, when seniors like Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan welcomed and mentored him. Kohli highlighted the deep friendship he shared with Yuvraj, recalling their dressing room memories and Yuvraj’s inspiring comeback after his cancer battle.
The Indian star fondly remembered the 2017 series against England, where Yuvraj and MS Dhoni rolled back the years with centuries. “Yuvi pa got 150 and MS scored 110. I remember telling someone it felt like our childhood days watching them on TV,” he recalled.
Kohli concluded his heartfelt address by expressing his admiration for Yuvraj Singh, saying, “It’s a pleasure being here and I wouldn’t do this for anyone else but him.”
As the cricket world continues to feel the void left by Kohli’s exit from Test cricket, moments like these show the depth of emotion and legacy the player has built over the years.
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