Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai calls Virat Kohli his ¡®favourite cricketer¡¯ while addressing Operation Sindoor briefing, reacts to test retirement
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), expressed admiration for Virat Kohli following his retirement announcement from Test cricket. Kohli¡¯s decision, made just before the England tour, was the end of a transformative era in Indian Test cricket.

During a press briefing by the DGMOs of the three services, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), took a moment to express his admiration for Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Ghai stated that Kohli is his favorite cricketer, reflecting the sentiments of many Indians who hold the legendary batsman in high regard.
His comments came amidst discussions of India¡¯s recent military operations, specifically Operation Sindoor, but the DGMO¡¯s recognition of Kohli¡¯s career highlighted the emotional connection people have with the cricketer. Kohli¡¯s recent retirement from Test cricket had caught the attention of millions, and Ghai was no exception.
Virat Kohli announces test cricket retirement
Virat Kohli¡¯s decision to retire from Test cricket came just before India¡¯s squad for the upcoming England tour in June was to be selected. The announcement, which shocked many, marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian cricket history. Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, leaves behind an undeniable legacy.
Known for his aggressive style and unmatched consistency, Kohli transformed the way India approached Test cricket. Under his leadership, the Indian team achieved historic victories, including their first-ever series win in Australia. His departure from the format follows closely behind that of his captain, Rohit Sharma, who also stepped away from Test cricket recently.
¡°Maybe today I should talk about cricket too, because I saw that Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. Like many Indians, he is my favourite cricketer as well¡± said Lt. General Rajiv Ghai.
Kohli's emotional farewell to test cricket
In a recent Instagram post, Kohli reflected on his journey with Test cricket, describing it as deeply personal. He emphasized the challenges and growth he experienced over the years and how the format had shaped him both as a cricketer and a person. Despite the difficulty of the decision, Kohli expressed that it felt like the right time to retire.
Kohli¡¯s post resonated with fans and teammates alike, as he thanked everyone who had been part of his career. His gratitude extended not only to the game but also to the people who supported him throughout his journey. ¡°I¡¯ve given it everything I had, and it¡¯s given me back so much more than I could¡¯ve hoped for,¡± he shared, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished for years to come.
Virat Kohli¡¯s departure from Test cricket marks the end of an era, and his impact on the format will be remembered for generations. With his eyes set on new challenges, including his ongoing involvement in limited-overs formats, Kohli¡¯s influence on Indian cricket remains unparalleled.
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