Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi paid tribute to Virat Kohli after the Retirement of the Indian Batting Icon of Test Cricket, welcoming his contribution to the longest format of the game.
By taking on Instagram, Afridi wrote: “Congratulations on a remarkable career @imvkohli. Your passion, your intensity and your professionalism have established new standards in test cricket.”
“The purist format will miss your presence and your competitive spirit,” he added.
Afridi’s message came in response to Kohli’s announcement to move away from the test cricket. The 36 -year -old Indian striker, who made his debut in 2011, ended his red ball career with 9,230 points and 30 centuries in 123 games, with an average of 46.85.
Kohli confirmed the decision via Instagram, calling for testing a format that tested and shaped it. “It’s not easy-but it’s okay,” he wrote. “There is something deeply personal to play in whites. The calm grinding, the long days, the little moments that no one sees but who stay with you forever.”
The final test of the Indian faithful was against Australia in January, marking the end of a sparkling career during which he also became captain of the most successful test in India.
Kohli led his team in 68 games, winning 40, losing only 17 and taking the team to the final of the 2021 and 2023 World Test Championships.
The next test assignment in India is a series of five games against England from June 20.
