Virat Kohli Compelled To Takeover India’s Test Captaincy, Coming Out Of Retirement

Virat Kohli [Source: AFP and AP Photos]

Former India captain Virat Kohli has once again come into the spotlight, as calls grow for him to return to Test cricket and take up the captaincy role again. Notably, this is not the first time such a suggestion has been made, and discussions have continued ever since the Indian legend stepped away from the longest format last year. 

Last year, Virat Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket. He enjoyed a remarkable journey in this format, especially as a captain from 2014 to 2022. During this period, he led India in 68 matches and secured 40 victories. As a result, he remains the most successful Test captain in the history of Indian cricket.

Virat Kohli's record as India’s Test captain

In addition, his leadership brought several historic achievements. Under his captaincy, India won its first away Border-Gavaskar Trophy in the 2018–19 series. Furthermore, he led the team in 11 home Test series, and India emerged victorious in every single one. 

On Saturday, Virat Kohli returned to action in the T20 format after nearly a year. His last appearance had come in the IPL 2025 final for RCB. Even after such a long break, he showed excellent form and fitness. His performance clearly indicated that he continues to perform at a high level without any visible decline.

In the opening match of the IPL 2026, Kohli delivered an outstanding performance. He scored an unbeaten 69 runs, which included five fours and five sixes. As a result, RCB successfully chased down a target of 202 runs in less than 16 overs against SRH at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

Also Read: Gaddafi Stadium Lahore Pitch, Weather Report For PSL 2026 Quetta vs Hyderabad, Lahore vs Karachi

Ambati Rayudu backs Virat Kohli’s return

Following this impressive innings, former cricketer Ambati Rayudu praised Kohli and shared his views during a discussion on ESPNcricinfo. He suggested that Kohli still has several years of top-level cricket left in him. In addition, he mentioned that a return to Test cricket could be beneficial for Indian cricket.

“I don’t think he is anywhere close to the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him and, as Sanjay (Bangar) and I were discussing earlier, he should make a comeback in Test cricket as well - hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu said on the post-match show.

“We are serious. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket, and the way he is batting now, it is a loss for Indian cricket,” he added.

Team India’s recent Test performances

At the same time, the Indian Test team has faced a noticeable decline in performance. Earlier, the team was considered one of the strongest while playing overseas. However, recent results have shown a different trend, with struggles both at home and abroad.

In October 2024, India lost a Test series at home after 12 years, facing a 0-3 defeat against New Zealand. Soon after, South Africa secured a 2-0 series win against India, adding to the team’s challenges. 

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli will be seen in action in the upcoming match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 5.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Drops Bombshell After Elite IPL 2026 Opening, Indirectly Drags Gautam Gambhir