Delhi: In an Instagram post on Monday, Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. In a magnificent 14 -year career, Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85. This decision has come only five days after the retirement of India captain Rohit Sharma.

In such a situation, former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif said in a conversation with IANS on Wednesday, reacted to Virat’s retirement. The 44 -year -old veteran said, “Many people believe that we will not be able to fill the place of Virat Kohli, but I do not believe so. I have seen Sunil Gavaskar, then Sachin Tendulkar and then Virat Kohli. India near India, which is talent and, which comes out through IPL every year, new players emerge from every year.”

He further said, “We can fill the place of Virat Kohli’s batsman, but Virat Kohli will not be able to fill the place of a passionate player. His passion on the field, post -energy after every ball, his sledging, he probably will not meet again. We have Shubman Gill, (Nitish) Reddy has scored a century, KL Rahul has returned, KL Rahul is a brilliant in the Test.”

Right -arm batsman Shubman Gill is considered a major contender to lead the Indian team in the upcoming Test series against England.

Kaif further said, “You must have seen Gill’s calm nature and restraint in the IPL, but Virat Kohli had a different style. He used to take the tricolor on his chest. He was ready to do anything to win, inspired the players to become aggressive, and asked to pressurize the opponents.”

The former batsman said, “The sacrifices he made for the country, maintained a five -day fitness, may never be seen again. After his farewell, the whole world honored him, everyone is praising him, whenever he came on the field, he played to win, never for a draw, not for a draw, a player or captain, and the same thing should be learned to the youth.”