6 hours ago
Last Updated:May 12, 2025, 16:58 IST
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised Virat Kohli as a "legend of the game", and a formidable competitor who understood the true value of cricket.
Former UK PM Rishi Sunak hailed Virat Kohli after the latter's retirement from Test cricket. (Agencies)
Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his dismay about not seeing Virat Kohli for one last time during India’s upcoming test tour of England, scheduled next month. His reaction came after the cricketing legend announced his retirement from red-ball cricket on Monday.
“Sad we won’t get to see @imVkohli one last time this summer. He has been a legend of the game: a superb batsman, an astute captain and a formidable competitor who always understood the true value of Test cricket," Sunak said on X.
Sad we won’t get to see @imVkohli one last time this summer.He has been a legend of the game: a superb batsman, an astute captain and a formidable competitor who always understood the true value of Test cricket.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) May 12, 2025
Kohli, widely accepted as one of the greatest Indian cricketers, announced an end to his 14-year-old Test career. He has represented India in in 123 Tests, scoring 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He struck 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli wrote. “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. 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."
He went on to add, “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."
People from all walks of life – from the cricketing fraternity to Bollywood celebrities – paid tribute to the cricketing legend and bid adieu to the 14 glorious years of his red-ball cricket career. Under his Test captaincy, India reached the No.1 ranking and two consecutive ICC World Test Championship finals.
Location :London, United Kingdom (UK)
First Published:News world Rishi Sunak Is 'Sad' To Not See Virat Kohli Play During India's Test Tour Of England In June-July
