New Delhi [India]: As Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, tributes poured in from across the sporting world. Among them was a heartfelt message from Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who congratulated Kohli on a phenomenal red-ball career.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram, posting a simple yet powerful message:
“Incredible innings!”
Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket sent ripples through the cricket fraternity, especially as it came just days after Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the format. Kohli’s exit marks the end of an era and signals a significant transition for the Indian Test team as it prepares for the upcoming five-match tour of England—India’s first assignment in the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.
A Bond Beyond Borders
Kohli and Djokovic have long shared a mutual admiration, having privately communicated over the years. In an interview with the BCCI in January 2023, Kohli revealed the story of how their friendship began:
“I was just browsing his Instagram once and happened to press the ‘Message’ button. Then I saw he had already messaged me. I was stunned—it was legitimate. We started talking and exchanging messages now and then.”
Kohli added that Djokovic reached out after he scored his 50th ODI century during the 2023 World Cup semifinal against New Zealand, even posting a congratulatory Instagram story.
“There has been mutual admiration and respect. It’s nice to connect with global athletes who are excelling at a high level. It sends out a message of inspiration to the next generation,” Kohli said.
Kohli also praised Djokovic’s discipline and passion for fitness, noting they had much in common and expressing hope to meet the tennis star soon.
A Legendary Test Career in Numbers
Virat Kohli made his Test debut in June 2011 against the West Indies. Though his start was underwhelming—just 76 runs in five innings—he quickly evolved into one of the greatest batters of his generation.
- Total Tests: 123
- Runs: 9,230
- Centuries: 30
- Fifties: 31
- Highest Score: 254* vs South Africa (2019)
- Batting Average (overall): ~49.3
Notable Phases:
- 2011–2015: 2,994 runs at 44.03 (11 centuries)
- 2016–2019 (Peak Years): 4,208 runs at 66.79 with 16 centuries and seven double hundreds—the most by any Test captain.
- 2020–2025: 2,028 runs at 30.72 with only 3 centuries. His numbers improved slightly in 2023 but dipped again in 2024.
Despite a notable decline in recent years, Kohli’s overall legacy remains unmatched. His consistency, aggression, and commitment to fitness transformed India’s Test side into a world-beating unit.
Global Tributes Pour In
Besides Djokovic, other prominent athletes extended their best wishes to Kohli, including:
- Neeraj Chopra (Olympic and World Champion in javelin)
- Harry Kane (England football captain and Bayern Munich striker)
- Manika Batra (India’s top-ranked table tennis player)
All commented on Kohli’s official Instagram retirement post, applauding his contribution to the game and his inspirational career.
Final Test & Farewell Ton
Kohli’s final appearance came during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year. Though his overall tour yielded just 190 runs in nine innings, he signed off memorably with a century at Perth, his first since July 2023.