Virat Kohli dismisses comeback rumours, says will continue to play only ODIs

While the rumours continued to swirl around the possibility of Virat Kohli reversing his Test retirement to help India recover from their current slump, the man at the centre of the speculation put all doubts to rest in Ranchi. Fresh off a match-winning century against South Africa, Kohli made it clear that his international career now belongs to just one format, ODIs, and nothing beyond that.

India defeated South Africa by 17 runs in the first ODI to take a 1–0 lead in the three-match series, but the result was overshadowed by Kohli’s 52nd ODI century. His fluent strokeplay, sharp running, and unwavering control added fuel to the growing chatter that India might look to bring him back into the Test setup. Kohli, however, ended the debate himself during the post-match presentation.

“Yes, and that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game,” he said when asked whether he intended to continue exclusively in ODIs.

The 37-year-old also spoke about what keeps him going despite stepping away from two formats.

“If you’ve played 300-odd games, you know when the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long,” Kohli explained. “As long as you’re hitting the ball well, it’s about being physically fit, mentally ready and excited.”

His comments arrive at a time when India’s Test struggles have triggered widespread speculation. Following a 0–2 home defeat to South Africa, their second straight series loss at home after being whitewashed 0–3 by New Zealand in 2024, rumours



emerged that the BCCI had approached Kohli and Rohit Sharma about a potential return. BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia, however, has categorically denied any such discussions, stating that the board has not spoken to either player about a comeback. Both Rohit and Kohli retired from Tests in May, before the England tour.

In Ranchi, Kohli offered the clearest reminder of why his presence still matters in Indian cricket. In front of a buzzing crowd at the JSCA Stadium, he rolled back the years with a knock filled with trademark flair from the very get-go. By the end of it, he had crafted a sparkling 135 off 120 deliveries.

Kohli’s effort, laced with 11 fours and seven sixes, doubled as a strong response after a tough run of form against Australia. It also marked his 83rd international century and pushed him past Sachin Tendulkar for the most hundreds made by a batter in a single format, surpassing the great man’s 51 in Tests.

As India look ahead to the 2027 World Cup, both Rohit and Kohli continue to be central to their ODI structure, having stepped away from Tests and T20Is earlier this year in May. Whether the selectors project them into long-term plans is still a matter of discussion, but the one certainty is that their experience remains invaluable.

The larger debate around Kohli’s role, stemmed majorly after his back-to-back ducks against Australia earlier this year, was put to rest in Ranchi. The speculation about a potential Test return had been building, but Kohli ended the chatter himself — there will be no comeback in whites, and the decision is final.