New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) Indian cricket's modern-day titan, Virat Kohli, was on Monday given an emotional farewell from the Test arena, with all ten IPL franchises uniting in admiration to honour his remarkable career in the longest format.
The former India captain, who wore the whites with pride and passion for 15 years, announced his retirement from Test cricket after redefining the format for a new generation. Kohli, India’s 269th Test cricketer, finishes with 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties. Franchises took to social media in unison to pay glowing tributes to the iconic No.18.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Kohli's IPL team, said, "The curtain falls on a monumental Test Era. But his legacy lives on, etched in time and carved in pride. Thank you, Virat Kohli, for the fire, the bravery, and the unmatched passion. You didn’t just play this format, you elevated it."
Five-time champions Mumbai Indians kept it succinct with, "Farewell, Cap #269," accompanied by the Indian flag and a salute emoji.
Chennai Super Kings hailed his contribution, calling it "a career that's a testament to Test cricket's spirit," while Rajasthan Royals lauded the cinematic quality of his performances: "You made it feel like Absolute Cinema, every day out of five."
Gujarat Titans added, "No.18 in whites, No.1 in our hearts," referencing his intensity and the iconic roar that often rallied Indian fans.
Other franchises echoed the sentiment. Lucknow Super Giants thanked him "for the Virat memories in whites," and Punjab Kings wrote, "Cap 269, Memories Infinite.”
Sunrisers Hyderabad said simply, "Thank you, Virat, for redefining Test cricket," a message repeated by their official handle. Kolkata Knight Riders called him "the greaTEST" in a stylised tribute.
Kohli, who led India in 68 Tests and remains the country’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins, was pivotal in restoring India’s dominance in red-ball cricket, especially overseas.
With the cricketing world saluting a legend’s Test journey, Kohli's farewell marks the end of an era—but the beginning of an enduring legacy.
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