In a heartwarming and introspective social media post, Anushka Sharma, renowned Bollywood actress and wife of cricketer Virat Kohli, shared a thoughtful message following her husband’s shocking retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. The post, which was shared on X (formerly Twitter), captured the emotional weight of the moment, offering a deeper insight into the challenges and triumphs that define a cricketer’s career.
Anushka Sharma’s Instagram story.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)
In her post, Anushka wrote: “Let it never end. That’s why only those with a story to tell succeed in Test cricket. A story so long and deep that it doesn’t care for the pitch conditions – whether grass, dry, home, or away.”
These poignant words resonated deeply with fans and followers, highlighting the raw emotions that come with Kohli’s retirement from the longest format of the game. Anushka’s post encapsulates the essence of Test cricket – a format where the journey is often long, grueling, and unforgiving, but those who succeed are those who have the perseverance and grit to write their own stories, irrespective of the challenges they face on different pitches around the world.
Anushka’s words seem to reflect not just Virat Kohli’s career but also the emotional depth and determination required to thrive in Test cricket. Unlike limited-overs formats, where quick bursts of brilliance can often lead to success, Test cricket demands resilience and a mental fortitude that can only be sustained by those with a deep-rooted story to tell.
For Kohli, this “story” has been one of growth, struggle, triumph, and evolution. From his debut as a young, brash cricketer to his rise as one of the modern greats, Kohli’s journey through Test cricket has been a testament to his ability to overcome adversity, perform under pressure, and make an indelible mark on the game. His success, both at home and abroad, was not merely a result of technical skill, but also of the mental strength and determination that Anushka’s post beautifully alludes to.
Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket may have taken the cricketing world by surprise, but it is a decision that is deeply personal and reflective of the changing priorities in his life. Having already relinquished his captaincy of the Indian Test team, Kohli’s decision to step away from the format seems to be a natural progression in his career. As Anushka pointed out, Test cricket requires not just skill but a deep emotional connection, a “story” that Kohli has told over the years, with countless memorable innings, match-winning performances, and unforgettable moments.
Anushka’s post is a tribute to the long, arduous journey that Kohli has had in the Test format – one that transcends the changing conditions of the game and speaks to the enduring legacy of a cricketer who has given everything for the team.
While numbers and records will forever define Virat Kohli’s contribution to Indian cricket, it is the stories behind those statistics that truly capture the essence of his career. From his 241-run knock against Australia in 2018 to his countless battles on challenging pitches in England, South Africa, and Australia, Kohli’s Test career was marked by grit, determination, and the unyielding desire to be the best, no matter the obstacles.
Anushka’s post, with its focus on “storytelling,” serves as a reminder that Test cricket is not just about runs and wickets, but about the journey. It’s about the emotional and psychological highs and lows that come with each tour, each series, and each match. Kohli’s journey in Test cricket has been one for the ages, and his story will forever be intertwined with the rich tapestry of Indian cricket.
Anushka Sharma has always been a steady source of support for Kohli, both on and off the field. Her presence in his life has been crucial during the ups and downs of his career. In her cryptic yet powerful post, Anushka not only reflects on Kohli’s journey but also subtly acknowledges the importance of family, mental well-being, and the emotional strength needed to sustain such a long and demanding career.
Her post, shared during such a momentous occasion, further emphasizes that Kohli’s retirement is not just a professional decision, but one that has been shaped by personal growth and reflection. As the cricketing world grapples with the loss of one of its greatest Test players, Anushka’s message serves as a reminder of the human side of athletes and the stories they carry with them.
