Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Sidhu Urges Virat Kohli’s Test Comeback as Kohli Stands Firm on ODI-Only Future

Despite a surge in public appeals, Kohli has reiterated he will not reverse his May Test retirement, even as a prolific ODI year keeps his place central to India’s short-term plans.

Overview

  • Navjot Singh Sidhu posted that his one wish would be to see Kohli return to Tests, praising the 37-year-old’s fitness and impact on fans.
  • Responding to renewed chatter, Kohli has repeatedly said there will be no U-turn on his red-ball exit and that he will play only ODIs, a stance he restated after a Player of the Match display in Ranchi.
  • Kohli’s 2025 white-ball output underpins the calls: India’s Champions Trophy win with him as their second-highest scorer, back-to-back ODI tons vs South Africa, and 651 ODI runs at 65.10 for the year.
  • His year also included RCB’s maiden IPL title, where he scored 657 runs, and a domestic return for Delhi with 131 and 77 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, earning Player of the Match in both outings.
  • The broader picture features Rohit Sharma’s Test retirement and Shubman Gill’s elevation as ODI captain, with coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar yet to publicly define the seniors’ roles for the 2027 World Cup; some single-outlet reports have linked Kohli’s spiritual visits to comeback talk, which remains unconfirmed.