Sachin Tendulkar took to social media and paid a glowing tribute to Virat Kohli post his Test retirement. It was Kohli, who replaced Tendulkar at number four in the Indian Test team, a position he held for nearly two decades.

Tendulkar recalled Kohli's heartwarming gesture for him during his own farewell Test in 2013 against the West Indies in Mumbai. The highest run-getter in Test cricket history hailed the country's most successful Test captain for inspiring young cricketers to pick up the sport.

"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," wrote Sachin on X.

Kohli finished his Test cricket with a stunning tally of 9230 runs at an average of 46.85 and 30 centuries. He has both the fourth-most runs and centuries for the Indian team in the longest format of the game behind Sachin, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar.

Kohli was part of the Indian team's playing XI during Sachin's last test for the national team. Infact, the transition from Sachin to Kohli at number four was among the most seamless in Indian cricket history.

Kohli still continues to play international cricket as he remains an active ODI player for the Men in Blue.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.