“Gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me” - Sachin Tendulkar recalls his final match in emotional tribute to Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

Former India captain Sachin Tendulkar thanked Virat Kohli for his special gesture in his farewell game as the latter drew curtains on his Test career on Monday, May 12. The legendary batter expressed his gratitude to Kohli for giving him a special gift, a thread from his late father.

Tendulkar wrote that he didn’t have anything to give in return but only admiration and best wishes for his future. The 52-year-old added that Kohli’s legacy was not just about scoring runs but inspiring youngsters to take up the sport.

Sharing a picture of Virat Kohli on Instagram, Sachin Tendulkar wrote:

“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.”

“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.

Once favorites to go past Sachin Tendulkar’s Test tally, Virat Kohli finishes as the 4th highest run-scorer for India in the red-ball format

Virat Kohli, who was the favorite to eclipse Sachin Tendulkar’s tally of most runs in Tests, fell short by more than 6000 runs. Kohli finished as the fourth-highest run-getter in the format, amassing 9230 runs in 123 Tests at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.

The Delhi batter looked brilliant with the bat till 2020, scoring 7202 in 141 innings, averaging 54.97, smashing 27 tons, in the format. However, after 2020, he managed 2028 runs in 69 innings at an average of 30.72, including three centuries.

Most runs for India in Tests

1. Sachin Tendulkar – 15921 runs in 200 Tests
2. Rahul Dravid – 13265 runs in 163 Tests
3. Sunil Gavaskar – 10122 runs in 125 Tests
4. Virat Kohli – 9230 runs in 123 Tests