Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's retirement sparks a meme fest: Here's what the internet is saying

India and cricket share a bond like no other. In a country as diverse as ours, cricket is more than just a sport– it’s an emotion that unites millions. For Indians, cheering for the national team isn’t merely about wins and losses; it’s about passion, pride, and an enduring love for the game. What makes this sport truly remarkable are the players who have worn the Indian jersey and created history. That’s why it becomes incredibly emotional– even heartbreaking– for die-hard fans when cricketing icons bid farewell.

Recently, fans across the country have been left saddened by not one, but two legendary retirements: first Rohit Sharma, and now Virat Kohli. Cricket legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirements through Instagram posts, leaving the cricketing world emotional.

Rohit Sharma shared the news of his retirement from Test cricket on Instagram, writing: “Hello everyone, I would like to share that I am retiring from Test cricket. It’s been an absolute honour to represent my country in white. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. I will continue to represent India in the ODI format.”

On Monday, 12 May 2025, Virat Kohli took to Instagram to announce his retirement from Test cricket. In an emotional post, he wrote: “It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life. There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. 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. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile.”

Indians, as always, haven’t held back– they’ve taken to social media to pour out their emotions in the most Indian way possible: with honesty, humour, and a flood of memes.

Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have become the ultimate ground for fans to channel their heartbreak into hilarious posts, jokes, and meme tributes– all dedicated to the retirement of their two beloved cricketing legends. And of course, we’ve rounded up some of the best ones for you.