Post-Test Retirement, Virat Kohli Switches Gears With THIS Trending Sport

The former Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli and his actor wife Anushka Sharma were spotted enjoying a casual game of pickleball at the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) training camp recently. Both looked happy and carefree, indulging in the festive spirit of the game.

Accompanied by them were RCB mentor Dinesh Karthik and his wife, professional squash player Deepika Pallikal. Snapshots posted on RCB’s official social media platforms brought out the humorous moments, as the caption stated that “pickleball fever” has taken over at the RCB camp officially.

Kohli Bids Farewell to Test Cricket After Iconic Career

The cheerful moments at the RCB camp come shortly after Kohli’s emotional retirement from Test cricket, bringing the curtain down on a legendary 14-year red-ball career.

Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011 against the West Indies, became India’s leading batter following the retirement of Sachin Tendulkar. Reflecting on his journey, Kohli shared a heartfelt message on Instagram:
“As I move away from this format, it’s not simple — but it’s right. It’s 14 years since I put on the baggy blue for Test cricket. Honestly, I never thought the ride this format would give me. It’s pushed me, molded me, and taught me lessons I’ll take to the grave.”

In 123 Test matches, Kohli scored 9,230 runs at 46.85 and hit 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. He led India in 68 Tests and became the nation’s most successful Test captain with 40 victories.

Apart from his on-field success, Kohli is also one of the sport’s best-known personalities in international cricket, with an enormous following of more than 271 million Instagram fans and close to 68 million on X (formerly Twitter).