Javed Akhtar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider ‘premature’ test retirement, calls it ‘disappointing’

Virat Kohli left fans heartbroken after announcing his retirement from Test cricket through an emotional Instagram post. His decision shocked many, including veteran lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar, who recently shared his disappointment over what he called Kohli’s “premature retirement.”Taking to X (formerly known as Twitter), renowned screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar reacted to the news of Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. 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.”Bollywood Stars Thank Virat Kohli for His Test Cricket JourneyApart from Javed Akhtar, several Bollywood celebrities also reacted to Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket. Stars like Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, Prakash Raj, Anil Kapoor, Saiyami Kher, and Suniel Shetty took to social media to thank Kohli for his incredible contributions in whites and praised his unforgettable Test career.Anushka also shared her warm words for husband Virat and took to her Instagram handle, “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. 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 expressed surprise over his retirement. She shared, ‘Somehow, I always imagined you’d retire from international cricket in white. But you’ve always followed your heart, and so I just want to say, my love, you’ve earned every bit of this goodbye.”Kohli’s Remarkable Test Career at a GlanceFor those unaware, Virat Kohli began his Test cricket journey in 2011. Over the years, he played 113 matches and scored 9,230 runs, which includes 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest individual score was an unbeaten 254 against South Africa. As captain, he led India in 68 Test matches and secured 40 wins, the most by any Indian Test captain.