Overview
- Kohli said “I am done with it” when asked about a Test return at the One8 Global Premiere in New Delhi, a remark that quickly went viral and shut down weeks of speculation.
- The speculation had been fuelled by One8 marketing — including a red shoe priced at Rs 9,230 that matched Kohli’s Test runs — plus symbolic gifts and public comments by peers.
- Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 with 9,230 runs from 123 matches and now remains active internationally only in the ODI format.
- He sustained a hamstring injury in the IPL 2026 final, missed India’s recent Afghanistan ODIs, and has been named in the squad for the England ODI tour subject to a fitness clearance at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
- Kohli’s clear rejection of a red-ball return makes workload management and preparation for the 2027 World Cup his likely priorities as he recovers and seeks to extend his ODI career.