Mumbai: Veteran Bollywood lyricist and writer Javed Akhtar has requested Virat Kohli to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket.
A Kohli admirer, Akhtar took to his X handle on Wednesday and expressed his disappointment over Kohli’s retirement decision.
“Obviously Virat knows better but as an admirer of this great player I am disappointed by his rather premature retirement from Test cricket,” Javed wrote. “I think there is still a lot of cricket in him. I sincerely request him to reconsider his decision.”
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
In no time, Javed’s post became viral and Kohli’s fans took to the comments section to back the veteran.
“Coming from our highly esteemed Javed Saab 🙏 this is MASSIVE! Hope @imVkohli reconsiders his decision. ❤️” wrote one fan.
“Same. Even I want him to reconsider his decision,” expressed another.
“Totally agree!!!! Plus, players like Virat, Rohit and Ashwin deserve a farewell match!!!!” commented one person.
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect on May 12, following in the footsteps of Rohit Sharma.
Several Bollywood actors including Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal, Angad Bedi and Aparshakti Khurrana were disheartened to hear about Kohli’s decision to step away from Test cricket.