May 13, 0225: He was seen as Sachin Tendulkar's successor when Tendulkar was nearing the end of his career. Now, as Virat Kohli says goodbye to his Test cricket journey, the 'Master Blaster' remembered a touching memory that connected them both.

When Tendulkar played his last Test match in Mumbai 12 years ago, Kohli—who was just 24 then, already a world champion and starting his Test career—came to him with a heartfelt gesture.

"You offered to gift me a thread on behalf of your late father. It was something very personal for me to accept, but the gesture was heartwarming and has stayed with me ever since," Tendulkar recalled.

Tendulkar’s Heartfelt Message for Kohli

In a post on X, Sachin Tendulkar shared a touching message for Virat Kohli, who retired from Test cricket after playing 123 matches and scoring 9,230 runs. Tendulkar wrote,

"I have no thread to offer in return, but please know you have my deepest admiration and best wishes. Virat, your true legacy lies in inspiring countless young cricketers to take up the game."

Kohli's Emotional Bond with His Late Father

Virat Kohli lost his father in his teenage years. He has often spoken about how deeply it affected him. During his early career, he once offered Tendulkar a sacred thread on behalf of his late father, which Tendulkar remembered as a very personal and emotional moment.

Kohli’s Respect for Tendulkar

Kohli has always admired Tendulkar. After India's 2011 World Cup win, Kohli carried Tendulkar on his shoulders during the victory lap. He famously said,

"Sachin Tendulkar has carried the burden of the nation for 21 years, now it's our time to carry him."

Sachin Praises Kohli’s Test Career

Tendulkar praised Kohli’s achievements, even though he retired without crossing 10,000 Test runs. (Tendulkar holds the record with 15,921 runs.)

He said, "What a wonderful Test career you have had! You haven't just given Indian cricket runs – you've given it a new generation of passionate fans and players. Congratulations on a very special Test career."