“Sincerely Request Him To...”: Javed Akhtar Terms Virat Kohli's Test Retirement “Premature”
Javed Akhtar has voiced his admiration for Virat Kohli, saying the batter could have played on longer in Tests.
Indian cricketer Virat Kohli shocked the world as he announced his retirement from Tests on Monday, drawing the curtain on a stellar red-ball career spanning 123 matches. The unexpected decision has left fans and cricketing legends alike grappling with disbelief. Joining the chorus of reactions is renowned lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, who called Virat Kohli’s retirement “premature.” Praising the batter’s enduring brilliance, Javed Akhtar insisted that Virat Kohli still had much more to offer India in the longest format and urged him to reconsider stepping away from Test cricket.
Taking to X, he wrote, “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.”
Check out the post here:
Obviously Virat knows better but as an admirer of This great player I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket cricket . I think there is still a lot of cricket in him . I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision.
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) May 14, 2025
Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played 123 matches in the format and left an indelible mark. He scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, finishing his career as the fourth-highest run-scorer for India in the longest format.
While Virat Kohli stepped away from T20 internationals after India’s World Cup win in June last year, he continues to remain active in the ODI format.
Virat Kohli's wife and Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma had shared a heartfelt note dedicated to her husband on Monday after his announcement.
Taking to Instagram, Anushka Sharma posted a snap with Virat and poured her heart out in a moving caption. “They’ll talk about the records and the milestones — but I’ll remember the tears you never showed, the battles no one saw, and the unwavering love you gave this format of the game,” she wrote.
Her words reflected the emotional weight of Virat Kohli’s journey. “I know how much all this took from you. After every Test series, you came back a little wiser, a little humbler — and watching you evolve through it all has been a privilege,” she added.
Anushka Sharma continued by acknowledging his instinct-driven choices: “Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire international cricket in whites — But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.”
