Two months after surprising fans with his sudden retirement from Test cricket, Virat Kohli finally spoke about the decision publicly at a charity event hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London on July 8, 2025. Surrounded by former legends and members of the current Indian team, Kohli shared heartfelt reflections that resonated with both fans and fellow cricketers.
“You Know It’s Time…” – Kohli’s Light-Hearted Beard Comment
The event, organized to raise funds for You We Can Foundation, featured cricketing icons such as Ravi Shastri, Kevin Pietersen, Chris Gayle, and Darren Gough. When host Gaurav Kapur invited Kohli to join them on stage, he walked up with a smile and delivered a witty one-liner that captured attention instantly:
“I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you’re colouring your beard every four days.”
The remark, laced with humour, subtly acknowledged the role of age and self-awareness in his decision to walk away from red-ball cricket.
A Heartfelt Goodbye to the Longest Format
Kohli had announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, via an emotional Instagram post. In his message, he expressed deep gratitude for the format he always held close:
“It’s not easy – but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more.”
The post stirred emotional reactions across the cricketing world, as fans, teammates, and experts reflected on his remarkable journey.
A Legendary Red-Ball Career
Virat Kohli bids farewell to Test cricket as one of India’s greatest red-ball players. Over the course of 123 matches and 210 innings, he amassed 9,230 runs at an impressive average of 46.85 and a strike rate of 55.58. His Test career includes 30 centuries, 31 fifties, and a record-breaking 7 double centuries — the most by any Indian. With a highest score of 254, 1,027 boundaries, and 30 sixes to his name, Kohli not only dominated with the bat but also led India to historic milestones, including the country’s first-ever Test series win in Australia during the 2018–19 tour. Making his debut in 2011, Kohli’s legacy as a red-ball icon is firmly etched in cricket history.
Supporting the Next Generation
Kohli’s retirement came just five days after Rohit Sharma also bid farewell to red-ball cricket. Since then, Kohli had stayed silent on cricket matters until he broke the hiatus by congratulating Shubman Gill on his record-breaking 269-run innings against England. Calling him a “star boy,” Kohli wished the new India Test captain a bright future.
He also celebrated India’s emphatic 336-run victory over England, which helped level the five-match series 1-1.
Wimbledon Outing and a Reunion of Legends
While in London, Kohli was seen enjoying some downtime with wife Anushka Sharma. The couple attended the Wimbledon Round of 16 match between Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur, joining a long list of stars spotted courtside.
At Yuvraj’s event, Kohli looked relaxed and cheerful, catching up with former teammates and old rivals — a reminder of the friendships cricket fosters beyond the boundary line.
A Special Bond with Yuvraj Singh
Kohli also spoke at length about his deep connection with Yuvraj Singh, recalling how the former all-rounder, along with Harbhajan Singh and Zaheer Khan, helped him adjust to life in the Indian dressing room.
“Yuvi Pa, Bhajju Pa, and Zak Bhai took me under their wings. They showed me what it takes to succeed at the top level. I’ll always cherish those memories.”
He reflected on Yuvraj’s courageous fight with cancer, calling his comeback one of the most inspiring chapters in Indian cricket.
“We didn’t even know what he was going through during the World Cup. Then to see him battle cancer and return to the team under my captaincy—it was nothing short of heroic.”
Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, Match Predictions, Fantasy Tips, and Live Cricket Action—only on Today Cricket Matches!
