Steve Smith On Kohli : When Everyone Stayed Silent, Kohli Stood by Me” – Steve Smith’s Powerful 1-Line Tribute After Virat’s Test Retirement

Virat Kohli retires from Test cricket

In a development that has stunned the cricketing world, Virat Kohli has officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. From the early hours of the morning, the news has dominated headlines and social media trends, with fans and legends from around the world reacting emotionally to the end of one of modern cricket’s most defining careers.

Tributes have poured in from every corner of the globe. From World Cup-winning Australian opener David Warner to tennis legend Novak Djokovic, the sporting fraternity has come together to honour the former India captain. Cricketing great Sachin Tendulkar was among the first to wish Kohli well, calling him a “true warrior” of the game.

An Unexpected Goodbye

Although Kohli hasn’t enjoyed the best run of form in recent Test series, especially with recurring dismissals outside off-stump, many feel his fitness and reflexes are still at a top-tier level. That’s why the sudden decision to walk away from the longest format has left both fans and analysts in disbelief.

The Australian Curse Continues?

India’s recent tour of Australia has proven to be a tough pill to swallow. Interestingly, this isn’t the first time an Australia tour has led to a major retirement. In 2014, the pressure of the Australian conditions forced MS Dhoni to bid farewell to Test cricket. Now, nearly a decade later, the same setting seems to have brought down the curtain on the Test careers of both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli — two of Indian cricket’s most iconic figures.

Smith and Kohli: Respect Beyond Rivalry

While India and Australia share one of the fiercest rivalries in cricket, Virat Kohli has always enjoyed mutual respect with the Australian team. One of the most poignant gestures came from Steve Smith. The former Australian captain took to social media to share a Cricket Australia post about Kohli’s retirement, adding a heartfelt message:
“Many congratulations to Virat Kohli on a phenomenal Test career.”

Their relationship goes beyond the boundary lines. During the infamous Sandpapergate saga, when Smith faced heckling from Indian crowds on his return, it was Kohli who stood up for him — asking Indian fans to show respect. That act of sportsmanship wasn’t forgotten, and Smith’s tribute today reflected that bond.

What Really Triggered the Decision?

While the official announcement was low on details, sources close to the team believe the recent Australia series played a major role in Kohli’s decision. His poor run of form, which began during the Bangladesh series, extended through the New Zealand and Australia tours.

There were whispers that if his performance dipped during the upcoming England series, the selectors might be forced to look beyond him. That looming uncertainty could have pushed Kohli to take matters into his own hands.

Interestingly, Rohit Sharma had recently expressed his desire to continue playing Tests in a conversation with Michael Clarke. Yet, his sudden retirement along with Kohli’s has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about internal decisions or other underlying factors influencing their exits.

The End of an Era

Virat Kohli’s Test career has been more than just numbers. It was about intensity, passion, and redefining India’s attitude in red-ball cricket. From unforgettable centuries in hostile conditions to his aggressive leadership style, Kohli brought a unique flair to the whites.

Though his bat may no longer light up the Test arena, his legacy is secure. Kohli leaves behind a void that will be hard to fill — not just in terms of performance, but in spirit.

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