Will Virat Kohli Get A Farewell Match After Test Retirement? Which Indian Legend Got This Unique Honour?

Virat Kohli brought down the curtain on one of the best red-ball careers in Indian cricket after announcing his Test retirement on 12 May. With the former Indian captain calling time on his Test career before the upcoming England series in June, fans have been wondering if King Kohli will get a well-deserved ‘farewell match’ for India.

However, unfortunately, it looks like that won’t be the case, as Kohli’s decision to retire is “with immediate effect”, which means that he won’t be a part of the England Test series, even though the BCCI reportedly tried to change the batter’s mind about this.

As a result, Indian cricket fans have seen the last of Kohli leading the team in red-ball cricket for India, something he had done in 123 matches, during which he scored 9,230 runs and 40 wins as a Test captain.

Interestingly, several legends of the game have retired without being given a farewell Test match, including Rohit Sharma, who announced his Test retirement on 7 May. Others like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, and Virender Sehwag were also not given the honour.

ALSO READ: End Of An Era: Virat Kohli Retires From Test Cricket

Has Any Indian Batter Received A Farewell Test?

Contrary to Kohli’s situation, the BCCI essentially rolled out the red carpet when Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement from Test cricket back in 2013. After the Master Blaster made his decision, the BCCI meticulously planned his farewell, culminating in his 200th Test at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

Fulfilling his personal wish to retire in his hometown, the Test against the West Indies was organised by the BCCI, which also allowed Tendulkar’s mother to watch her son play live for the first time.

Tendulkar finished his final Test scoring 74 runs, and the event was marked by tributes, a guard of honour, and a farewell speech by the batter.