After Brilliant 135 in India, Series Opening Odi win in South Africa at Ranchi, Virat Kohli Strongly shut down speculation about a possible return to Test cricket. Reports have suggested that BTCI’s big players – Kohli and will convince Rohit Sharma – Retired after India’s 0-2 Test whitewash in late November. But the former Test captain played down any reverse talk.
Like Virat Kohli, Odi’s commitment reinforces the single-format focus
During the post-match presentation, Kohli addressed the conversation bluntly: “It will always be, now I only play one format.” His decision reaffirmed his announced retirement in May 2025, walking away from Tests after 123 matches and 9,230 runs, one of the most exemplary red-ball careers in modern cricket.
Kohli’s comments leave no doubt: his international future rests firmly in ODIS, where he has 58-plus overs and continues to rank among the world’s most consistent batsmen. He made it clear that there is no pressure or expectation around the 2027 World Cup or the Next WTC cycle, shutting down speculation that India’s transition could fuel a rethink.
His match winning century – the 52nd ODI ton – served as the perfect backdrop to reiterate the white-ball priorities.
Ranchi and mental preparation Early arrival to Kohli’s success in the first Odi
Kohli, who has not played competitive cricket since the Australian tour, was asked to come to the ranch a few days early. He trained in both day and night sessions to match the intensity of the day and night sessions. The training paid off immediately.
Discussing his process, he said: “It was really nice to come into the game today. He was playing well before the buzzer. I was just trying to hit the ball and not overshoot. I was trying to get a start.
He has long emphasized that the basis of his harmful philosophy was long ago: “I’ve never been a big believer. I haven’t been mental all my cricket.
See also: Rohit Sharma’s useful strike, Virat Kohli’s brilliant Ranchi century in 1st ODI highlights
BCCI calls rumors ‘baseless’ as Kohli remains firm
Speculations that BTSI’s BOSTSTER is exploring a major return to India’s injury-hit Test squad, Saikia dismissed the talk as “mere rumours”. Kohli’s own comments underscored that any possibility of a U-turn has been shut down for reasons of personal time and long-term well-being.
The decision to retire ahead of the 2025 England tour was motivated by emotional and mental considerations. While India’s recent Test defeats have reignited the controversy, Kohli’s Ranchi Masterclass has amply demonstrated why he has chosen 50-over cricket as his main field.
See also: Virat Kohli’s 52nd century was cut off after a fan and spread across the legs in Ranchi
