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Virat Kohli’s Test Return Possible, Says Ex-AUS Captain Ahead Of IND Vs ENG Series

Aakash Saini

Virat Kohli [Source: @PITCHPANDIT_IND/X.com]Virat Kohli [Source: @PITCHPANDIT_IND/X.com]

Virat Kohli can make a surprise return to Test cricket, at least according to Australia’s 2015 World Cup winning captain Michael Clarke. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes that Kohli can come out of retirement if he gets asked to do so by the current Indian captain and selectors.

Clarke also added that fans would want to see Kohli making his return to Test cricket if Team India loses its upcoming five-match Test series in England by a huge margin.

Michael Clarke Sparks Buzz Over Virat Kohli Test Return

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke believes Virat Kohli can make his return to Test cricket if he was asked by the Indian captain and selectors. Clarke added that Kohli still loves Test cricket, as per the legendary batter’s own admission after the IPL 2025 final in Ahmedabad earlier this week.

While speaking on Beyond23 Cricket Podcast and as quoted by the Indian Express, Michael Clarke said:

“I believe this. If India go to England and get flogged, if they lose the series 5-0 for example, I think the fans will want Virat Kohli to come out of retirement and play Test cricket again. And I honestly, I think if he was asked by the captain, selectors and supported by fans, if they get beaten big time in England, I think he’ll come. He still loves Test cricket. I think his words, I think those words, like you could hear his passion for Test cricket is real.”

However, Michael Clarke added that Team India can still compete, or even win the Test series in England without the services of recently-retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

“He Virat Kohli sees it as the pinnacle and he’s still playing good enough cricket. He definitely made the decision to retire and whatever his reasons are, everybody comes to that time in their career. If that’s the case, then so be it. But if they don’t perform, if they get beaten, like I say, 5-0 in England, which I don’t think they will. I think they can still win in England, even without Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. I think this Indian squad is a good squad.”

Virat Kohli announced his Test retirement last month after undergoing one of the worst phases of his batting career in the format. A veteran of 123 matches, the legendary batter tallied over 9,000 runs at an average of 46.85.

Team India will now face England in a five-match series from June 20 onwards later this month.