‘Something too personal…’, Sachin Tendulkar pens emotional message on Virat Kohli’s retirement

Moments after Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute that left fans emotional. Sharing a picture of Kohli from behind in his iconic No. 18 jersey, Tendulkar recounted a deeply personal memory from his farewell Test in 2013.

In the moving note, Tendulkar wrote that Kohli had once offered him a sacred thread from his late father during his final Test match—an emotional gesture that left a lasting impression. “It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since,” the Master Blaster said. “While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes.”

Advertisement

Tendulkar hailed Kohli’s true legacy as one of inspiration, having sparked a generation of passionate young cricketers across the country. “You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players.”

Earlier today, Kohli shared his official retirement note on Instagram, calling it a difficult yet timely decision. “I’ve given everything I had,” he wrote, as tributes from players, fans, and celebrities poured in.

Kohli retires as India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins from 68 matches and over 9,200 runs in red-ball cricket. His departure marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash