Virat Kohli shut the door on a Test return, putting an end to rumors about a revival. More than twelve months past his farewell in that format, talk of a reversal has now been dismissed flatly by him.
On Sunday, during a promotion stop in New Delhi, someone questioned Kohli about possibly reversing his Test retirement before India’s next games. At 37, he cut in quickly, no pause, no hesitation – with words that landed flat: “I am done with it. Thank you.”
Virat Kohli Returns to ODI Squad, Jaiswal Misses Out
Virat Kohli no longer plays Test cricket, yet eyes a comeback in ODIs for India. Named by the BCCI in a 15-player group, he awaits fitness confirmation before joining the upcoming three-game series versus England next month.
Monday marks the day Kohli heads to Bengaluru’s Center of Excellence. There, a fitness check waits at the CoE. Only after that comes approval for the tour.
Back then, the ex-India skipper stepped away after pulling a muscle mid-match for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their IPL run. That setback kept him out of India’s latest ODIs against Afghanistan, while experts from the CoE made a trip to England months ago, just to check how healing was going.
Shubman Gill takes charge of the ODI team, just as most predicted. Back in the mix comes Kohli, drawing immediate attention. Not showing up this time, Yashasvi Jaiswal, missing despite strong performances. While names like Gill and Kohli fit the script, his absence shifts the picture slightly.
A fresh face at the top shone bright when India faced Afghanistan, piling up double tons in two of three games, called upon once Kohli stepped aside. Yet now that Kohli is fit again, Jaiswal finds himself on the sidelines.
A BCCI insider who knows how picks are made says the move fits past practice on filling spots due to injuries.
“Against England, there won’t be much experimentation with the top order. Virat returns at No. 3, while Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will continue as the opening pair. For the backup opener’s role, the selectors have Ishan Kishan, who can also be used as a floater,” the source told PTI.
Back home, Kohli steps back into the team, bringing calm and know-how just before a tough tour abroad. Yet here’s the twist – his firm shutdown of whispers about returning to Tests marks the quiet end of a major era.
Not a single doubt remained after Sunday, for those in India waiting to spot him back in the red-ball jersey. His chapter in Tests closed tight. Yet one thing stood clear. The white-ball path that trails on. More words wait to be added there.
Also read: 3 unlucky players missing from India’s ODI squad for England series
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