Sanjay Manjrekar Calls Virat Kohli a Modern-Day Hero After Test Retirement

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has praised Virat Kohli after the star batter announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025. Kohli shared the news on social media, ending a glorious 14-year journey in the longest format of the game. Manjrekar called Kohli a modern-day hero and a player who always gave his best for Test cricket.

Kohli played 123 Test matches for India. He scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. His Test record includes 30 centuries, and he holds the record for the most double centuries by an Indian batter in Tests. Kohli’s dedication and fitness set him apart from many other cricketers.

“Kohli Played to Win, Not to Please” – Manjrekar

Writing for the Hindustan Times, Sanjay Manjrekar said that Kohli never followed the traditional way of behaving on the field. “He did not conform to behaving ‘correctly’ on the field,” Manjrekar wrote. “He was there to win and didn’t let conventions stop him.”

Manjrekar added that Kohli became a role model for many youngsters with his strong personality, tattoos, and focus on fitness. “In every way, he was a modern-day hero,” he wrote. “He inspired a generation of athletes with his six-pack abs and his aggressive playing style.”

Kohli’s Love for Test Cricket Stood Out

Manjrekar also admired Kohli’s loyalty to Test cricket at a time when most players focused on shorter formats like T20s. “When Test cricket was struggling, Virat gave it everything. He remained committed to the format even though it was not as profitable as others,” said Manjrekar.

He added, “Kohli is a very rich sportsman, but until the very end, he gave his all to Test cricket. Sometimes I felt that Test cricket needed Kohli more than he needed it.”

A Glorious Test Career Comes to an End

Virat Kohli retired as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history, behind legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Although his Test career has ended, Kohli will still play One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India.

Fans and former players around the world have thanked Kohli for keeping the spirit of Test cricket alive. His energy, discipline, and hunger to win made him one of the greatest Test cricketers of his era.

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