India’s difficulties in Test cricket, highlighted by a recent home whitewash at the hands of South Africa, fuelled speculation that the selectors might try to coax Virat Kohli out of retirement. On Sunday in Ranchi, after crafting a match winning 135 from 120 balls in the first ODI, Kohli dismissed that notion himself.
“My age is 37 now,” he said when asked about a possible Test comeback. “I need sufficient time for recovery. This is how I have played for so many years. I have played 300 ODIs. If you are connected to the game, if you can hit good shots in practice and bat for an hour or two, you know you are in the right place. When you are out of form, you spend more time in the nets. You also need to be mentally prepared. Ultimately it is about how much you enjoy the game.”
Presenter Harsha Bhogle pressed further, asking whether Kohli intended to continue as a single format player. Kohli was unequivocal. “You will see me this way in the coming days too,” he said. “I am playing only one format of cricket.”
His comments align with the stance he adopted earlier this year when he retired from Test cricket after 123 appearances, in which he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 30 centuries.
Reports had suggested that, in the wake of the defeat to South Africa, the board might ask at least one retired player to reconsider. The unnamed figure quickly became Kohli in public discussion, although BCCI secretary Devjit Saikia had already labelled the story “a rumour”.
“Whatever is being said about Virat Kohli is a rumour,” Saikia said. “There has been no conversation with him on this issue. Do not believe the rumours. Nothing of this sort has happened.”
Kohli’s own words now close the door fully, leaving India to confront their red ball issues without the most prolific Test batter of his generation.
