Cricket-Reaction to Kohli's retirement from test cricket
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Second Test - South Africa v India - Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa - January 3, 2024 India's Virat Kohli in action REUTERS/Esa Alexander/File Photo
(Reuters) -Following are quotes and reaction after India batsman Virat Kohli announced his retirement from test cricket on Monday, bringing down the curtain on a sparkling career in the longest format.
THE BOARD OF CONTROL FOR CRICKET IN INDIA
"An era ends in Test cricket but the legacy will continue forever. His contributions to Team India will forever be cherished."
IRFAN PATHAN, FORMER INDIA ALL-ROUNDER
"As captain you didn't just win matches — you changed mindsets. You made fitness, aggression, and pride in whites the new standard. A true torchbearer of modern Indian Test cricket."
HARSHA BHOGLE, CRICKET COMMENTATOR
"I would have liked to see Virat Kohli go out of test cricket before a packed stadium. But since that is not to be let us applaud him wherever we are. He told a generation weaned on T20 cricket that test cricket is cool and aspirational. And for that, the game owes him big time."
SANATH JAYASURIYA, FORMER SRI LANKA CAPTAIN
"While the world celebrates your cricketing brilliance and records, what I admire most is your unwavering commitment to fitness and the sacrifices you've made behind the scenes."
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU, INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE TEAM
"Thank you, Virat Kohli, for the fire, the bravery, and the unmatched passion. You didn't just play this format, you elevated it."
WASIM JAFFER, FORMER INDIA BATTER
"I feel he at least had three more years in him, but his decision should be respected. Test cricket was never boring with Virat in. His presence alone brought millions of eyeballs. Once in a generation player. You will be missed Virat Kohli."
(Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
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