Virat Kohli’s final Test jersey finds a new home with Mohammed Siraj
Star Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj has paid a heartfelt tribute to his cricketing idol Virat Kohli by framing the batting legend’s final Test match jersey at his home in Hyderabad. The jersey holds deep sentimental value—not just for its significance in marking the end of Kohli’s illustrious Test career, but also for the personal bond the two cricketers share. Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, played his final match in Sydney during the fifth and final Test of the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The match was particularly memorable, not only for being Kohli’s farewell appearance but also for its broader cause.
Both India and Australia wore specially designed pink-themed kits in support of the McGrath Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for breast cancer. The pink Test, as it is known, added an emotional layer to an already significant occasion. Siraj, who has often spoken about Kohli’s influence on his career, received the jersey as a parting gift, now preserved in a frame and signed by the former India captain himself. The gesture reflects Siraj’s admiration and the respect he holds for Kohli—a player whose passion and leadership left a lasting impression on Indian cricket.
Mohammed Siraj and Virat Kohli have shared a strong bond ever since their time together at Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League. It was during their stint at RCB that Kohli first noticed Siraj’s potential and backed the young pacer, giving him the confidence to thrive at the top level. Over the years, Siraj has transformed into one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers across formats, with his growth often credited to the trust and support shown by senior players like Kohli.
Their camaraderie has often been evident both on and off the field, and a recent viral photo offered fans another glimpse into that connection. In the image, Siraj is seen sitting casually on a couch at home alongside a friend who is working on a laptop. What caught everyone's attention, however, was the framed jersey hanging on the wall in the background—Virat Kohli’s last Test match jersey, signed by the legend himself. Placed beside a portrait of Siraj, the jersey quickly became the focal point of the image. Fans were quick to spot it, and the photo has since gone viral, drawing praise and emotional reactions across social media for the heartfelt gesture.
Mohammed Siraj recently starred in India’s dramatic six-run win over England in the fifth Test at The Oval. Defending just 35 runs on the final day, Siraj delivered a match-winning spell, dismantling England’s lower order with a five-wicket haul in the innings and nine wickets overall. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Match award and helped India level the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series 2-2.
With Jasprit Bumrah unavailable, Siraj led the pace attack with grit and intensity, finishing as the series’ highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets. His consistency and composure under pressure drew widespread praise. Among those applauding him was Virat Kohli, who followed the match closely and lauded Siraj for his match-winning heroics.
