Javed Akhtar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider premature retirement from Test Cricket: “I think there is still a lot of cricket in him” : Bollywood News

Lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has urged Virat Kohli to reconsider his decision of retiring prematurely. On Wednesday, Akhtar took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his disappointment with Kohli’s choice.

Javed Akhtar urges Virat Kohli to reconsider premature retirement from Test Cricket: “I think there is still a lot of cricket in him”

Javed Akhtar wrote, “Obviously Virat knows better but as an admirer of this great player I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket. I think there is still a lot of cricket in him. I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision.”

Obviously Virat knows better but as an admirer of This great player I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket cricket . I think there is still a lot of cricket in him . I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision.
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) May 14, 2025

Many social media users echoed Javed Akhtar’s sentiment. Reacting to the lyricist's post, one fan wrote, “Coming from our highly esteemed Javed Saab, this is MASSIVE! Hope @imVkohli reconsiders his decision.” Another fan commented, “Same. Even I want him to reconsider his decision.” A third user added, “Totally agree!!!! Plus, players like Virat, Rohit, and Ashwin deserve a farewell match!!!!”

On May 12, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket after 14 years. He shared an emotional post on Instagram and wrote, “It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. 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.”

Virat added, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. 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. 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. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

Later, several Bollywood actors, including Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Angad Bedi, and Aparshakti Khurrana, also reacted to Virat’s decision, expressing that they found it disheartening.

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