Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and lyricist, poet Javed Akhtar showered rich praise on India batter Virat Kohli after the cricketer announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12. Kohli, who made his India Test debut in 2011, played his final Test in Sydney against Australia in January this year.

Virat Kohli, on Monday (May 12), took to social media to confirm his decision to quit Test cricket. In an Instagram post, he wrote: "As I step away from this format, it's not easy – but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for... I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile. #269, signing off".

Kohli played 123 Tests for India and made 9230 runs with an average of 48.65 with 30 centuries and 31 fifties with a best score of 254*. He also captained India in 68 matches in Tests and won 40 of them, becoming India’s most successful captains in the format.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, an avid cricket fan, posted a heartfelt appreciation for Virat Kohli, praising him for his amazing Test career.

“The only time I met the immortal @imVkohli face-to-face, early in his career, when he was well on his way to becoming the legend we have all admired. I’ve watched him bat in various formats and admired him most in Tests.  I’m truly sad to see him go so early, so unexpectedly, without even the joy of a farewell Test match at home. Why, Virat? We all still need you!” Tharoor posted on X.  

On the other hand, Javed Akhtar, a renowned Bollywood lyricist, screen writer and poet, stated that he was disappointed by Virat Kohli’s premature retirement from Test cricket.

“Obviously, Virat knows better, but as an admirer of This great player I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket. I think there is still a lot of cricket in him . I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision,” Akhtar posted on X.