'Virat Kohli put his heart and soul into Test cricket': Former England captains lead tributes as India star bids farewell to Tests

NEW DELHI: Modern-day batting legend Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket has sparked an outpouring of admiration from across the cricketing world, with former England captains Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain leading the chorus of praise. After a 14-year journey that reshaped Indian cricket’s approach to the red-ball game, Kohli announced his retirement on Instagram, ending a legendary career with 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries."I loved watching him play every day of his 123 Tests," Atherton said, speaking to Sky Sports. "You couldn't take your eyes off Kohli. He put his heart and soul into Test cricket, and that energy and passion never seemed to dim." Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Reflecting on Kohli’s retirement note, Atherton said it was significant that Kohli acknowledged the unique challenges of Test cricket — a format he not only embraced but elevated with unmatched intensity.Who's that IPL player?Kohli’s retirement leaves India facing a void at the crucial No. 4 position ahead of their five-Test series in England. "You kind of pity the person who has to follow," Atherton remarked, noting the formidable legacy left behind by Kohli, much like his predecessor, Sachin Tendulkar.Nasser Hussain echoed similar sentiments, hailing Kohli as a transformative figure. "I’ve been a massive Virat Kohli fan over the last 14 years," Hussain said on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast. "But he was so much more than just the stats — it was his aura, swagger, and passion. No one embodied the meaning of cricket in India more than Kohli."Under Kohli’s leadership, India became the No. 1 Test side in the world, holding that position for a staggering 42 months. With 40 wins in 68 matches as captain, his aggressive style of leadership redefined India’s image in Test cricket — fearless, fiery, and fit."He is the ultimate winner," Hussain added. "He can’t go on the field and not be 100 per cent. Everything for Kohli is about winning. That’s why he was so good in run chases and why India became such a formidable force."As Team India prepares for the next World Test Championship cycle, all eyes will be on who steps into Kohli’s shoes. But for now, the cricket world stands united in celebrating a once-in-a-generation player who brought fire and flair to the longest format.