In a moment that blended humour with reflection, Virat Kohli opened up publicly for the first time about his Test retirement during a charity event in London hosted by Yuvraj Singh’s YouWeCan Foundation. Kohli, never one to shy away from honest expression, took the crowd by surprise with a witty remark that both addressed his decision and lightened the mood: “I just coloured my beard two days ago. You know it’s time when you are colouring your beard every four days.”
The quip, delivered with a grin, brought laughter from cricketing legends and fans alike. But behind the levity was a deeper, more poignant moment—the first instance where Kohli publicly acknowledged his exit from Test cricket. The 36-year-old had officially announced his retirement from the format earlier this year, closing the chapter on a remarkable red-ball career that spanned 14 years, over 9,200 runs, 30 centuries, and a reputation as one of India’s most fearless leaders.
At the gala, which featured cricket royalty like Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Kevin Pietersen, and Ravi Shastri, Kohli’s remark served as a perfect reminder of his unmatched charisma. When asked about how it felt to no longer be part of the Test team, Kohli didn’t delve into heavy statistics or career summaries. Instead, he brought in something as simple and relatable as colouring one’s beard—a subtle metaphor for aging, time, and transition.
Kohli has always worn his emotions openly, both on and off the field. His words weren’t just a joke—they hinted at acceptance. Accepting that age and time eventually catch up with every athlete, and knowing when to walk away is part of the legacy a sportsperson builds. His choice to address it in such a disarming way further highlighted the calm and maturity with which he’s embracing this new phase of life.
The event wasn’t just about retirement and nostalgia. It was aimed at raising funds and awareness for cancer patients through Yuvraj Singh’s foundation, YouWeCan. Kohli’s appearance, alongside his Indian teammates and other international stars, showcased the unity and spirit of the cricketing community in support of causes beyond the sport.
Later in the evening, Kohli reflected on his bond with Yuvraj and their early years together in the Indian dressing room. He spoke warmly about the support he received from senior players like Yuvraj, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan during his formative days, crediting them with shaping his confidence and character. He also remembered Yuvraj’s inspiring comeback after cancer and hailed it as one of the most emotional chapters in modern cricket.
His admiration extended to former coach Ravi Shastri, whom Kohli praised for always taking pressure off the team during difficult tours and helping him grow as a leader. These moments revealed a softer, more sentimental side of Kohli, showing just how deeply he values the relationships he built throughout his cricketing career.
While fans continue to miss his aggressive intent in the whites, Kohli’s beard comment and his demeanour at the event proved that he is at peace with his decision. He may have stepped away from the rigours of Test cricket, but his presence in the sport remains strong—whether through inspirational moments, mentoring young players, or simply being the candid, charming personality that fans around the world adore.
In his own unique style, Virat Kohli reminded everyone that age might show in the beard, but the passion for the game—and for life—remains as vibrant as ever.