Veteran Bollywood lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar often takes to his official social media handles to express his opinions. Days after Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket after 14 years, on Monday, he shared his disappointment over the former’s decision. Requesting the cricketer to reconsider his decisions, Akhtar mentioned that he still has a lot to explore.
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
On Wednesday, the 80-year-old screenwriter took to his official X (formenrly known as Twitter) handle and wrote, “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.”
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As soon as his tweet surfaced on the internet, netizens rushed to agree with the sentiment. Many expressed their sadness over bidding adieu to a cricketer like him. Others shared how cricketers like Kohli deserve a “farewell match”. Many celebrities like Ranveer Singh, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, and others also reacted to his Test retirement announcement.
Taking to his official social media handle, Virat announced his retirement a few days ago. Penning an emotional note on Instagram, he 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. 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.”
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He went on to add that he is walking away with a “heart full of gratitude” for the game, for the people who he has shared the field with and the ones who made him feel seen. “I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” he concluded.
