Former captain of Team India, Virat Kohli, is exhibiting remarkable performance in ODI cricket. Kohli hit two centuries and a half-century in the recent series against South Africa. Then, in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, he scored a century and a half-century for Delhi.
Virat Kohli is likely to participate in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, set to commence on January 11th. The 'King' announced his retirement from Test cricket this May. This announcement came as a shock to many. The absence of Kohli in Test cricket has been keenly felt by the Indian team.
Recently, India endured a humiliating defeat 0-2 in a home Test series against South Africa, prompting fans and some cricket experts to plead with Virat Kohli to return to Test cricket. However, Kohli made it clear that he will now play for India in just one format.
What did Navjot Sidhu say?
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu desires Kohli's return to Test cricket. Kohli made this wish to God for the New Year. He wrote on Instagram, 'If God granted me one wish, it would be to bring Kohli back from retirement to play Test cricket. What could bring more joy and excitement to a nation of 1.5 billion? His fitness is like that of a twenty-year-old. He’s akin to 24 carat gold himself.'
Virat Kohli himself dismissed this possibility. After scoring a century in the Ranchi ODI against South Africa, he stated, 'This will always be it. I am now playing only one format.'
In the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, India's next Test series is slated against Sri Lanka in August 2026. During that tour, India will play two Test matches against the host team.
Virat Kohli has been India's most successful captain in Test cricket. As captain, he led the team to a Test series victory in Australia and faced only two home-ground defeats. Under Kohli’s captaincy, the Indian team won 40 Test matches, endured 17 losses, and 11 matches ended in a draw.
