Former UK Prime Minister expresses admiration for Kohli’s legacy, says fans will miss him on England tour
The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Rishi Sunak, has extended heartfelt congratulations to Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli following the announcement of his retirement from Test cricket. Sunak, a passionate cricket fan, also voiced his disappointment that fans would no longer see Kohli play during India’s upcoming Test tour of England, reported sports.ndtv.com.
Kohli, 36, officially retired from red-ball cricket after a celebrated 14-year career, which saw him play 123 Tests, amass 9230 runs, and notch up 30 centuries and 31 fifties with an impressive average of 46.85. His highest score was an unbeaten 254, and he captained India in 68 matches, securing 40 wins—the most by any Indian Test captain.
“Sad we won’t get to see @imVkohli one last time this summer,” Sunak wrote on X, praising Kohli as a legendary batsman and captain who upheld the spirit of Test cricket
Sunak, the UK’s first Prime Minister of Indian origin, has previously shown strong engagement with cricket. In March 2023, he hosted England’s T20 World Cup-winning squad at 10 Downing Street and even played a casual cricket game in the garden. During his premiership (Oct 2022–July 2024), he also pledged £35 million to expand grassroots cricket infrastructure and increase youth participation through state schools, as part of a national physical activity initiative.
Sunak’s tribute to Kohli comes amid a wave of admiration and nostalgia as the cricketing world bids farewell to one of its modern greats. While Kohli’s retirement closes a significant chapter in Indian cricket, his influence as a player and leader continues to inspire the global cricket community.
