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Virat Kohli keeps proving that he still has a lot in tank when it comes to his phenomenal batting, which was on full display in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener. Kohli cracked a robust 38-ball 69 to help RCB chase down 202-run target with 26 balls to spare.
Ambati Rayudu wants Virat Kohli to reverse Test retirement
Witnessing Kohli's masterclass in the IPL 2026 opener, Chennai Super Kings legend Ambati Rayudu lavished immense praise on the batting juggernaut, and publicly urged him to reconsider his Test retirement. Calling his absence a major loss for Indian cricket, Rayudu also went a step further by requesting the BCCI to hand Kohli back the Test captaincy, believing the leadership role would give him the ultimate drive to chase a World Test Championship title.
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Kohli should make a comeback in Test cricket: Rayudu
Notably, Kohli retired from Test cricket ahead of the tour of England in 2025 following a lean run with the bat. As the heart and soul of the Indian Test team for over a decade, Kohli played a massive role in keeping the longest format of the game alive and thriving globally. While his decision to step away left the cricket world deeply shocked, he had been under immense pressure, and his departure was somewhat expected following a challenging tour of Australia. Since stepping away from the red-ball grind, however, Kohli has continued to feature in ODIs and seems to have completely rediscovered his magic. After piling on heavy runs in the 50-over format, he made a grand return to T20 cricket in the Indian Premier League on March 28.
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"I feel his best is yet to come in the IPL. What we have seen is just a trailer. Fitness was never an issue with him. I don't think he would ever get into any trouble with his physical fitness, getting late on the ball, or slowing down on the field. The only thing that can make him take a step back is his mental state. I don't think he's anywhere closer to the end of his career. I still see quality five to six years in him. I think he should make a comeback in Test cricket. Hopefully, as a captain. He's been the best red-ball captain that at least I have seen in Indian cricket. He should, the way he's batting, I think it's a loss for Indian cricket," Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo's ‘Time Out’ show.
“It would be a great drive for him if you give him the captaincy. I think it will be a great challenge for him to win the WTC. He's so fit, so I don't see how that can be a concern,” Rayudu concluded.
Kohli will next be see in action when RCB will take on Chennai Super Kings on April 5 at the M Chinnaswamy stadium.
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