With Virat Kohli announcing his retirement from Test cricket on Monday, legendary Indian player Sachin Tendulkar posted a heartwarming post for a player who was at one time considered his heir apparent, filling the large shoes that Sachin left after his retirement.
In the post, Tendulkar talked about an incident when in his final Test in , Kohli had gifted him his late father’s thread. Kohli had also mentioned this incident in a podcast called In Depth with Graham Bensinger in 2022.
“To make him understand what impact he had on me… the most special thing I have is a thread… so my father gave one to me, which he used to have. Just to keep with me. So I used to keep that with me in my bag. And I thought this is the most valuable thing I have… I couldn’t give him (Tendulkar) anything more valuable,” Kohli had said.
As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I…
— (@sachin_rt)
So, with Kohli now hanging up his boots, Tendulkar shared the story again on his X handle while congratulating him on a very special Test career.
“As you retire from Tests, I’m reminded of your thoughtful gesture 12 years ago, during my last Test. You offered to gift me a thread from your late father. It was something too personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since. While I may not have a thread to offer in return, please know that you carry my deepest admiration and very best wishes,” Sachin posted.
“Your true legacy, Virat, lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to pick up the sport. What an incredible Test career you have had! You have given Indian cricket so much more than just runs – you have given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career,” he added.
The 36-year-old Kohli brought down the curtains on a prolific red-ball career, spanning 14 years and 123 Tests. The batter made his Test debut against the West Indies on June 20, 2011, in Kingston.
