Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, has left the cricketing world in shock. After 14 glorious years and 123 Test matches, Kohli's decision to step away from his favorite format has touched the hearts of many. From teammates to officials, everyone is expressing their gratitude and admiration for the legend’s contributions.

Gautam Gambhir, the current Team India coach, shared a heartfelt message on social media, describing Kohli as a “man with the spirit of a lion.” Gambhir, who has had a mix of experiences with Kohli over the years, fondly referred to him as "Cheeks" and said, "I will miss you Cheeks."

Gautam Gambhir’s tribute:
"A man with lion’s passion! Will miss you cheeks." – Gautam Gambhir
(Shared via Twitter)

In a similarly warm gesture, Jay Shah, the ICC chairman and former BCCI secretary, praised Kohli for his remarkable career. He acknowledged Kohli’s commitment to Test cricket during the rise of T20 cricket and his exemplary discipline and fitness. Shah wrote, "Congratulations Virat Kohli for a wonderful career. Thank you for promoting the purest format in the era of T20 cricket and showing discipline, fitness, and commitment. Your statement at Lord's is enough to tell – you played Test cricket with full heart, passion, and respect."

Jay Shah’s message:
"Congratulations @imVkohli on a stellar Test career. Thank you for championing the purest format during the rise of T20 cricket and setting an extraordinary example in discipline, fitness, and commitment. Your speech at Lord's said it all – you played Tests with heart, grit." – Jay Shah
(Shared via Twitter)

• Yashasvi Jaiswal, the young Indian batsman, shared his admiration for Kohli, mentioning how he learned cricket by watching him and Rohit Sharma.
• Jasprit Bumrah also paid his respects, remembering his Test debut under Kohli’s captaincy.
• Cheteshwar Pujara fondly remembered his years playing alongside Kohli, celebrating their countless moments in the heat of battles.
• Harbhajan Singh couldn’t hide his surprise at Kohli’s retirement and asked why he chose now to call it a day.

• Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara both sent heartfelt messages, remembering the years they spent with Kohli in the middle order, battling for the country in numerous Test matches.