Virat Kohli up to something big, but doors shut on his return to Test cricket

Over the past few years, Kohli has remained awfully quiet, but this time around, he has broken the silence and more. On the field, he continues to do what he does best: pummel runs for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Off it, he has been equally expressive, even dismissing speculation about his availability for next year’s World Cup, a goal that still appears to drive him strongly.

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All of this raises a question: Is Kohli preparing for something the world is not expecting? Is something brewing behind the scenes? His fans are still processing his decision to retire from Test cricket a year ago. Are they ready for another move, potentially even bigger?

Rest assured, whatever it is, a return to Test cricket does not appear to be on the cards. A recent teaser of an interview with Rajkumar Sharma created excitement when he mentioned “talks are on,” but closer attention suggests the response may have referred to a different context altogether. Those hoping for a reversal in Kohli’s Test retirement are likely to be disappointed.

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He is done with that chapter of his career, for several reasons, starting with his own sense of self-respect. Kohli values that deeply, as anyone would. He was mentally drained and, by his own standards, did not fully meet the demands of the format, as shown by an average of around 32 over the last five years. He stepped away when it felt like the right time, allowing himself a better balance between family and cricket. Moreover, if he was indeed sidelined and asked to prove himself again, it makes little sense for him to reverse that decision. He is never coming back. That’s the bottom line.

He has scored three centuries and three fifties in his last nine ODIs, a run that began with two ducks against Australia in October. With more matches to come, Kohli’s focus is firmly on the World Cup in South Africa. However, he will also know that one poor run could undo much of that progress. Thankfully for him, this year features a heavier ODI schedule, with the current FTP running until March 14, and more matches to be rolled out after the IPL. With close to 15 ODIs or more still to be played, Kohli currently looks in a strong position. Not only does Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 100 international centuries look within reach, but the path to the World Cup also appears clear.

Kohli will not tolerate perceived disrespect. If he is willing to step away from the format he valued the most when pushed, he would not hesitate to quit ODIs either. Kohli may already be preparing for that possibility, mentally, which could explain his more vocal public presence of late.

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