“If God granted me a wish,” said former India cricketer and renowned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, “I’d ask for one thing: bring back Virat Kohli to Test cricket.”
With those emotionally charged words, Sidhu has reignited a conversation that’s been simmering among fans, experts, and former players alike: should Virat Kohli reverse his decision to retire from the longest format of the game? Kohli officially called time on his Test career in May 2025 after a decorated 15-year run that included 7,500+ runs and 27 centuries. Yet, his recent performances in ODIs—especially during India’s tough tours of Australia and South Africa—have sparked serious speculation about a potential Virat Kohli Test return.
Table of Contents
- Why Sidhu’s Plea Is Resonating with Fans
- Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: A Brief Recap
- The Form Factor: Kohli’s Recent ODI Dominance
- Could a Virat Kohli Test Return Actually Happen?
- What the Experts and Fans Are Saying
- Conclusion: More Than Just Nostalgia
- Sources
Why Sidhu’s Plea Is Resonating with Fans
Sidhu’s emotional appeal isn’t just poetic—it’s grounded in observable reality. Virat Kohli, even at 36, is still one of the world’s most consistent batsmen in ODI cricket. His ability to chase targets, anchor innings, and dominate top-quality pace attacks in overseas conditions (like Perth and Cape Town) proves he hasn’t lost a step.
For fans, Kohli’s absence from the Test arena has left a void—not just in terms of runs, but in terms of on-field leadership, intensity, and sheer competitive fire. His famous cover drives and fiery stare-downs with bowlers are missed dearly, especially in pressure-cooker situations like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy or a tour of England.
Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: A Brief Recap
Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, just days after India’s exit from the World Test Championship cycle. Citing a need to “prioritize family and evolving team dynamics,” he walked away as India’s second-highest run-scorer in the format, behind only Sachin Tendulkar.
His final Test? A gritty 89 against Australia in Brisbane—a fitting, fighting farewell that left many wondering if it was truly the end.
The Form Factor: Kohli’s Recent ODI Dominance
What’s making the Virat Kohli Test return conversation more than just fantasy is his current form:
- In Australia (Dec 2025): Scored 112* in Adelaide and 78 in Melbourne against Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood.
- In South Africa (Jan 2026): A match-winning 141 in Johannesburg, negotiating a fearsome pace trio on a seaming track.
- Overall 2025 ODI Stats: 587 runs in 10 innings at an average of 58.7 and strike rate of 92.3.
These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that Kohli’s technique, temperament, and hunger remain elite. As Sidhu put it, “Greatness doesn’t retire. It evolves.”
Could a Virat Kohli Test Return Actually Happen?
While comebacks are rare in Test cricket, they’re not unheard of. Michael Vaughan once said, “Test cricket is a state of mind.” And Kohli’s state of mind seems far from settled.
Several factors could influence a potential reversal:
- Team Need: India’s Test batting has shown fragility outside Asia. Kohli’s overseas record (23 overseas Test centuries) is unmatched in the current squad.
- BCCI’s Openness: The board has historically respected player autonomy, but may extend an informal invitation if the team hits a crisis.
- Kohli’s Personal Drive: Despite retirement, he’s been seen training intensely. In a recent interview, he admitted, “I still dream of batting at Lord’s.”
Still, hurdles remain. Kohli has spoken about wanting to spend more time with his daughter. And reversing a formal retirement could complicate selection protocols. But as history shows—think George Foreman or Brett Favre—passion often overrides plans.
What the Experts and Fans Are Saying
Reactions to Sidhu’s plea have been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, #KohliComeback has trended for three days straight, with over 500,000 tweets. Former captain Sourav Ganguly hinted, “If the body allows and the fire burns, why not?”
Meanwhile, ESPNcricinfo’s analysis suggests a Kohli Test cricket comeback in 2025 isn’t just sentimental—it could be strategic. “His technique against the moving ball is still superior to 90% of current batters,” noted senior editor Sambit Bal .
For deeper insights into India’s Test selection challenges, see our analysis on [INTERNAL_LINK:india-test-batting-depth-crisis].
Conclusion: More Than Just Nostalgia
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s emotional wish for a Virat Kohli Test return taps into something deeper than nostalgia—it’s a recognition of current need and undeniable capability. Kohli isn’t just a legend; he’s still a match-winner. Whether he chooses to don the whites again remains his decision. But if God—or the BCCI—grants one wish, Indian cricket fans know exactly what they’d ask for.
Sources
Times of India: Sidhu’s Emotional Plea for Kohli’s Test Return
ESPNcricinfo: Kohli’s ODI Form Fuels Test Comeback Talks
BCCI Official Statement: Virat Kohli Retires from Test Cricket