Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with fans, pundits, and fellow cricketers all expressing disbelief and emotion over the end of an era. Among the many heartfelt reactions came a deeply personal and touching story from former India spinner Harbhajan Singh, who revealed how even his young daughter Hinaya struggled to understand the cricket legend’s decision.
Speaking about Kohli’s retirement, Harbhajan recalled the moment he himself heard the news. “I tweeted and asked, ‘Why, why?’ I couldn’t believe it,” he said. Like many others, Harbhajan was caught off guard, questioning the timing and reason behind Kohli stepping away from the format where he had built a legacy as one of India’s greatest captains and batters.
However, it was his daughter Hinaya’s innocent and emotional response that truly captured the moment. “Even my daughter asked me, ‘Papa, why did Virat retire?’ She was confused and upset,” Harbhajan recounted with emotion. Moved by her curiosity and affection for the cricketer, Hinaya decided to reach out to Kohli herself. Harbhajan revealed, “She messaged Virat saying, ‘This is Hinaya, Virat, why did you retire?’”
Kohli, ever the humble and grounded personality despite his stature, responded with warmth and simplicity. “Beta, this is the time,” he replied to Hinaya. Just five words, yet they carried immense depth—signaling acceptance, timing, and the grace with which great athletes must sometimes walk away.
This short exchange has resonated with fans everywhere, reflecting the deep connection Kohli shares not just with seasoned followers of the game but with the younger generation as well. Hinaya’s message symbolizes the innocence of cricket lovers who look up to their heroes and aren’t yet ready to let them go.
Virat Kohli’s Test career has been one of the most illustrious in modern cricket. From his debut in 2011 to leading India through some of their most significant victories overseas, Kohli established himself as a cornerstone of Indian Test cricket. His aggressive captaincy, fitness-driven approach, and unmatched passion redefined the team’s image on the global stage. Finishing with over 8,500 runs in Test matches and several match-winning performances, Kohli’s legacy is set in stone.
Yet, like all great careers, it must one day come to an end, and Kohli’s choice to step away appears to be driven by a desire for balance, personal well-being, or perhaps a readiness to pave the way for younger talent. While fans may find it hard to digest, Kohli’s understated response to Hinaya—“this is the time”—speaks volumes. It suggests peace with the decision and a quiet understanding that everything in life, even the most glorious innings, must conclude at the right moment.
Harbhajan sharing of this moment not only added an emotional touch to the news but also reminded the cricket fraternity of the human side of its heroes. For now, the void left in India’s Test line-up by Kohli’s absence is undeniable. But his influence, his energy, and his presence will continue to guide Indian cricket—both through his performances in other formats and the memories he leaves behind on the red-ball stage.
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