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Virat Kohli says 'no' to Test retirement U-turn; keeps ODIs in focus ahead of 2027 World Cup

Debashis Sarangi

Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]Virat Kohli [Source: AFP]

Talismanic Indian batter Virat Kohli confirmed that he wouldn't reverse his Test retirement amid rumours of a potential return to the purest format. After receiving the player of the match award for his belligerent hundred that played a pivotal role in India's thrilling victory in the first ODI against South Africa, Kohli bluntly quashed his Test comeback rumours, stating that he would continue only as a one-format player from hereon. 

Virat Kohli dismisses Test comeback rumours

Virat Kohli is unarguably India's greatest Test captain of all time. Although Kohli scripted numerous memorable wins, including the famous 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph, at his peak, a five-year slump in his batting form prompted the batting maestro to call it quits from his favourite format. 

However, with India's young guns struggling to meet the demanding nature of red-ball cricket, fans and experts speculated that the BCCI might bring Kohli back in order to smooth the transition process. 

But Virat Kohli made it quite clear that he would only play ODIs, keeping the 2027 World Cup as his sole purpose for the rest of his career. 

When renowned broadcaster Harsha Bhogle threw the question at Kohli, seeking a clarification regarding his Test comeback, Kohli came up with a straightforward answer, saying, 

“Yes, that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game.”

Virat Kohli's fireworks ensure smooth Indian win in Ranchi ODI

Regarding the match, India posted a massive total of 349 runs, riding on Virat Kohli's stunning 135-run knock. Hailed as the King of Indian cricket, Kohli smashed eleven boundaries and seven sixes for his scintillating innings. 

In response, South Africa came close, but failed to get past the finish line, falling 18 runs of the target. Having taken a crucial 1-0 lead, India will now face the Proteas in the penultimate affair of the series on December 3 in Raipur.