‘You are an inspiration for many’ – Pakistani cricketers shower praise on Virat Kohli

On Saturday, Virat Kohli decided to quit his position of Test captain. The sudden retirement shocked the cricketing fraternity and his fans across the globe. Kohli made a tweet regarding his decision and thanked several people including Ravi Shastri and MS Dhoni for supporting him on his journey.

Kohli finished his captaincy journey as the most successful Test captain of the Indian team. He captained India in 68 matches, winning 40 matches and losing 17. Kohli is the most successful Indian captain in Test cricket both in terms of the number of matches won and win percentage.

Kohli is the first and the only Indian captain to win four overseas Test matches in a calendar year. He achieved this feat twice in his Test captaincy career. India defeated South Africa in the first Test played at Centurion and became the first Asian captain to win a test match at this venue. 

Kohli also achieved the record of winning the most Test matches in SENA countries. Under his captaincy, India won 16 out of 36 Test matches. He also achieved the record of winning two Boxing Day Test matches. Kohli became the captain of the Indian side in 2014 against Australia, when Dhoni suddenly announced his retirement from this format.

India was on the seventh position when Kohli became the captain of the side. Under his leadership, India achieved the number one spot and remained there for a period of 42 months from October 2016 till March 2020. Kohli led India to the finals of the  Test Championship as well.  Kohli achieved the record of winning the most number of Test matches in home conditions. He won 24 matches as captain of the Indian team. India never lost a series at home under Kohli.

Meanwhile, Virat enjoys a massive fan following in Pakistan as well and the fellow cricketers were not far behind in hailing King Kohli.

Here’s how Pakistani cricketers and fans reacted to Virat Kohli’s departure:

7 years of fearless cricket. One of the greatest captains that we have seen. Hats off @imVkohli
Real GOAT real INSPIRATION 🙏🏽 https://t.co/8MKK71LPgi

— Kainat Imtiaz (@kainatimtiaz16) January 16, 2022

You are the inspiration for many! https://t.co/0xa9mVAoHv

— Naseem Shah (@iNaseemShah) January 15, 2022

That flare of passion with which you led your side was visible in your captaincy. It’s been 7 years of fearless leadership, quality spirit of cricket and a great ambassadorship of the game. Best wishes for the future bro @imVkohli, keep rocking 🤙🏼 https://t.co/G2BcSTzIRM

— Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) January 15, 2022

@imVkohli brother for me u are a true leader of upcoming generation in cricket because u are inspiration for young Cricketers. keep rocking on and of the field. pic.twitter.com/0ayJoaCC3k

— Mohammad Amir (@iamamirofficial) January 15, 2022

A remarkable journey, career and perseverance which brought us great cricket and entertainment. A brilliant inspiring player of the sport takes a bow. Well done @imVkohli in all your efforts and leading a team with such poise and dignity. Go well ! https://t.co/fLBhjtbNor

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) January 15, 2022

We know you are one of the best players in the world.
We have great respect for you in our hearts as human beings.
But remember Legends never take leave or retire. U will be remembered in Cricket history. Best wishes for a new fearless journey as a great player✌️. God bless you🌹 https://t.co/A77ISBFbZT

— 🇵🇰 ضـــــــــــــدی بــــــــٹ (@Mansour_Butt) January 16, 2022

What a sad ending. Took them to the very top and they became the very best touring side. Loved this format the most and it showed. Deserved to leave on his own terms, deserved more, far more.
Test Cricket will miss your captaincy. Thank You for making Test cricket Box-office. https://t.co/tM4NzNJddF

— Ali (@stuckon70) January 15, 2022

However you feel about him, you have to rate him. 40 wins out of 68 tests...India's most successful captain of all time. A tremendous run by a tremendous leader 🏆 https://t.co/RgFZMSOrmq

— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz) January 15, 2022