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After scoring his 52nd ODI hundred, Virat Kohli said he is going to stick to just one format of the game.
Virat Kohli at the post-match presentation
Virat Kohli bagging yet another Player of the Match award is a sight to behold for his fans. The former Indian captain notched up his 52nd ODI hundred on Sunday, batting out the Proteas attack at the JSCA stadium in Ranchi. It was vintage Kohli at his best—fearless, fluent, and commanding. Be it running between the wickets or shielding the boundary line, Kohli’s athleticism was unmatchable. His class act may have fueled the rumours of him reversing his Test retirement, but the stalwart himself denied it categorically.
On being asked if he was going to play just one form of the game in the future, too, he replied affirmatively.
“Yes, that’s how it’s always going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game,” Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
“I’ve played 300 ODIs over 15–16 years, and as long as I’m in touch with the game—reflexes sharp, fitness intact, and able to bat long in the nets—I know I’m meeting all the markers. If there’s a dip in form, you look for games. But if you’re hitting well and mentally ready, experience takes over. For me, it’s about staying fit, focused, and excited to play—everything else follows,” he added.
Earlier, a Cricbuzz report had stated that discussions have begun within Indian cricket circles about approaching Virat Kohli to reconsider his Test retirement. The report also suggested that another recently retired player may be “open to a rethink” about returning to the longest format.
The developments come in the wake of India’s disappointing 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa, a result that has intensified debates around the team’s direction. Head coach Gautam Gambhir attributed the loss to a phase of “transition,” underscoring the lack of experience in the current squad.
Since Gambhir took charge last year, three senior pillars—Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin—have stepped away from Test cricket, leaving a leadership and experience void. Even before this regime, during Rahul Dravid’s tenure, stalwarts Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane had been gradually phased out of the setup.
With India struggling to find stability in red-ball cricket, the possibility of revisiting some retirements has suddenly become a talking point again.
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had …Read More
A cricket enthusiast whose dreams of playing for India paved the way for a compelling journey in journalism. With a comprehensive coverage spanning international and domestic cricket across formats, I have had … Read More
Ranchi, India, India
November 30, 2025, 23:22 IST
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