As the cricketing world comes to terms with Virat Kohli’s emotional retirement from Test cricket, tributes have been flooding in from fans, fellow players, and celebrities. One such heartfelt message came from Bollywood actor Angad Bedi, who took to social media to express his admiration and emotions following Kohli’s announcement.
Virat Kohli, the former India Test captain and batting maestro, called time on his 14-year-long Test career on Monday, May 12, leaving behind a legacy that reshaped Indian cricket. With 123 Test matches, over 9,200 runs, and countless match-winning moments, his departure has created a massive void not just in the Indian team but in the hearts of fans worldwide.
A Fan Moment Captured Forever
Angad Bedi, who is also the son of legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi, shared a video from the stands during the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). In the video, he’s seen applauding as Virat Kohli steps out to bat — a powerful gesture reflecting genuine admiration and heartfelt respect.
Alongside the video, Angad wrote a heartfelt note that struck a chord with fans:
“I had promised Neha that I’d take her to watch you bat once more in England… Jersey No. 18 — you will truly be missed 🥹 @virat.kohli. Go well, KING 👑 Test cricket always came alive when you were at the crease, in the slips, or patrolling cover. Clapping as you walked out to bat was a moment filled with admiration and deep respect.”
He continued with a cheeky reference to Kohli’s well-known on-field energy and verbal presence:
“This patch of grass won’t echo your roars anymore… the stump mic will surely miss your fire and flair.”
The phrase — a nod to Kohli’s often-audible and animated behavior on the field — captures what many fans feel: the Test arena will lose more than just a batsman; it’s losing one of its greatest entertainers and warriors.
A Personal Promise, A Public Farewell
Angad Bedi’s message also included a promise he made to his wife, actress Neha Dhupia, to take her to watch Virat Kohli bat live during India’s upcoming tour of England. The retirement announcement, however, changed those plans. Yet, the sentiment in his words reflected the deep emotional connection so many share with Kohli’s on-field presence — not just as a cricketer, but as an experience.
Virat’s aggression, intensity, and leadership have been defining features of his Test career. Whether it was scoring a gritty century on challenging pitches, motivating bowlers in pressure situations, or chirping from the slips, Kohli brought unmatched passion to the longest format.
A Star Beyond the Boundary
Angad Bedi’s tribute wasn’t just a fan’s gesture; it was a celebrity’s salute to a sporting icon who has influenced not just the cricketing world but pop culture as well. Kohli’s charisma, discipline, and global appeal have made him a household name far beyond the pitch.
In interviews and public appearances, Angad has previously spoken about his love for the game and his admiration for Kohli — not only as a player but as a modern-day role model who redefined fitness and commitment in Indian cricket.
The End of an Era
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement marks the closing of one of the most glorious chapters in Indian cricket. From making his debut in 2011 to leading India to historic overseas victories and becoming a torchbearer for Test cricket in the T20 era, Kohli’s journey has been nothing short of legendary.
While fans and fellow players have expressed their gratitude, it’s tributes like Angad Bedi’s — filled with emotion, humor, and nostalgia — that reflect how deeply Virat Kohli has touched lives far and wide.
Conclusion
As Virat Kohli signs off from Test cricket, the cricketing world stands united in admiration and gratitude. Celebrities like Angad Bedi remind us that Kohli was more than just a cricketer — he was a phenomenon who made every ball, every session, and every Test match feel alive.
From the sound of his voice on the stump mic to the fire in his eyes at cover, Kohli’s presence was electric — and, as Angad rightly said, “you will be missed, KING.”
