'From watching you bat when I was 13 ... ': Shubman Gill pours his heart out for Virat Kohli

NEW DELHI: India’s star batter Shubman Gill penned a heartfelt tribute on social media following Virat Kohli’s announcement of his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. The 36-year-old Kohli called time on his illustrious red-ball career just days before India are set to name their squad for the upcoming tour of England. Kohli, who debuted in 2011, played 123 Test matches, scoring 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. His retirement post on Instagram came five days after India captain Rohit Sharma also stepped away from the longest format."Anything I write for you, paji, will never truly capture what I feel or the impact you’ve had on me," Gill wrote on his social media handle."From watching you bat when I was 13 and wondering how someone could bring that kind of energy to the field – to sharing the field with you and realizing no one else possibly can – you’ve not just inspired a generation, you’ve reshaped the mindset of millions. I know how much Test cricket meant to you, and I hope our generation can carry forward that same fire and commitment," he added."Thank you for everything. Happy retirement, @imVkohli paji," Gill concluded.Kohli, who mainly batted at number four, struck 30 Test centuries and 31 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 254 not out."It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket," Kohli posted on his official feed, which has 271 million followers."Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life."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."A symbol of intensity and commitment, Kohli also leaves behind a legacy as India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins and 17 losses in 68 matches. He stepped down from the captaincy in 2022. The only captains close to his record are MS Dhoni (27 wins in 60 Tests) and Sourav Ganguly (21 in 49)."I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude – for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way," Kohli wrote."I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."While Kohli’s fierce competitiveness remained unchanged, a dip in form over the past two years – averaging 32.56 – may have contributed to his decision to step away. At his peak from 2011 to 2019, he averaged close to 55 in Tests.