The world of cricket is full of fierce rivalries, emotional farewells, and unexpected connections—but few stories this year have tugged at heartstrings quite like the one between Virat Kohli and the daughter of his former teammate, Harbhajan Singh. When Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, it wasn’t just the fans who were left stunned. Eight-year-old Hinaya, Harbhajan’s daughter, was heartbroken—so much so that she took matters into her own hands and reached out to Kohli directly.
A Heartfelt Conversation
Harbhajan Singh, the veteran Indian off-spinner and World Cup-winning teammate of Kohli, revealed that his daughter was deeply affected by the news of Kohli’s Test retirement. Unable to find the right words to explain why her hero was stepping away, Hinaya decided to send Kohli a message herself.
“This is Hinaya, Virat, why did you retire?” she wrote.
Kohli’s response was as simple as it was poignant. He replied, “Beta, it’s time.” The message instantly made Kohli emotional, and he later said through a smile that he knew it was the right moment to step away from the format.
Why Was Hinaya So Heartbroken?
For most of us, the rigors of professional sport and the complexities that drive retirement decisions are hard to grasp—let alone for an eight-year-old. But Hinaya’s reaction highlights the deep connection fans of all ages feel with their heroes. She grew up watching Kohli’s exploits on the field, and to her, his retirement felt like a sudden loss.
Harbhajan recounted how his daughter repeatedly asked him, “Papa, why did Virat retire?” When he couldn’t provide a satisfactory answer, she took it upon herself to reach out. Her innocence and honesty moved not just her father but also Kohli, who admitted he was touched by her message.
Kohli’s Test Retirement: The End of an Era
Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket marked the end of a golden chapter in Indian cricket. He announced his retirement on May 12, 2025, after a stellar career that saw him amass 9,230 runs in 123 Tests, including 30 centuries and an average of 46.85. Kohli was also India’s most successful Test captain, with 40 wins in 68 matches.
In his retirement statement, Kohli reflected on his journey:
“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy—but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude—for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way.”
The Wider Impact: A Changing Indian Test Team
Kohli’s retirement, along with those of Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, signals a major transition for the Indian Test team. Shubman Gill, just 25, has been named the new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy. The team is now set to face England in a five-match series, marking the start of a new World Test Championship cycle.
Harbhajan, reflecting on the change, welcomed the appointment of Gill but cautioned that fans should be patient with the young team:
“This is going to be a tough tour, England has never been an easy tour. I hope that Shubman, Rishabh Pant… this is a young team. There is no Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma, suddenly there is a big gap in that team and that also needs to be filled, so Shubman will have to lead from the front.”
Key Takeaways
- Hinaya, Harbhajan Singh’s daughter, was heartbroken by Kohli’s Test retirement and messaged him directly.
- Kohli’s reply—“Beta, it’s time”—was simple, emotional, and sincere.
- Kohli retired with 9,230 Test runs and a legacy as India’s most successful Test captain.
- The Indian Test team is entering a new era with Shubman Gill as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.
- Harbhajan urged fans to be patient with the young team during the transition.
FAQs
1. What did Virat Kohli say to Harbhajan Singh’s daughter after his Test retirement?
Virat Kohli replied, “Beta, it’s time,” when Hinaya asked him why he retired from Test cricket.
2. How did Hinaya react to Kohli’s retirement?
Hinaya was heartbroken and sent Kohli a message asking why he retired, as she couldn’t understand the reason from her father.
3. Why did Virat Kohli retire from Test cricket?
Kohli said he felt it was the right time to step away after giving his all to the format and achieving so much for Indian cricket.
4. Who is the new captain of the Indian Test team?
Shubman Gill has been named the new Test captain, with Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.
5. What is the significance of Kohli’s retirement for Indian cricket?
Kohli’s retirement marks the end of an era and the start of a new chapter for the Indian Test team, which is now led by a younger generation.
Conclusion
Virat Kohli’s message to Harbhajan Singh’s daughter Hinaya—“Beta, it’s time”—captures the bittersweet nature of retirement for both the player and the fans. For Kohli, it was a heartfelt acknowledgment that the right moment had come; for Hinaya, it was a gentle lesson in letting go. As Indian cricket moves forward, fans old and young will remember not just Kohli’s records, but the kindness and humanity he showed even in farewell.