Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin believes that Virat Kohli may still have unfinished business in Test cricket.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin shared his thoughts about Kohli’s future in the longest format of the game. He explained that he had a direct conversation with Kohli about the topic and feels the legendary batter still has the ability to contribute in Test matches.
Ashwin’s View on Kohli’s Test Future
Ashwin said he personally told Kohli that he still believes the former India captain has something left to offer in Test cricket.
According to Ashwin, Kohli has always been a player who puts the team before individual milestones. Because of this mindset, making or reversing a retirement decision is not simple for him.
Ashwin also pointed out that discussions around retirement in Indian cricket are often influenced by public perception, especially when players cross the age of 30.
He believes Kohli could still perform in Test cricket if he chose to continue.
Debate Around Kohli’s Age and Performance
Kohli is currently 37 years old, an age when many players begin to move away from the longest format of the game.
However, Ashwin believes Kohli’s hunger for runs has not faded. The star batter recently showed strong form in limited-overs cricket.
Recent International Form Snapshot
| Opponent | Format | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | ODI | Century and fifty |
| South Africa | ODI | Strong batting performances |
These performances have sparked fresh discussions among fans and experts about whether Kohli could still return to Test cricket.
Ashwin said that retirement decisions should depend on the player’s personal goals and fitness rather than public opinion alone.
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Could Kohli Return to Test Cricket?
Ashwin described Kohli as a player who has always emphasized teamwork and collective success in his career.
Because of this approach, a comeback decision would not be taken lightly. If Kohli ever considers returning to the format, it would be a major moment for Indian cricket.
Ashwin maintained that Kohli still has the skill and experience required to succeed in Test cricket if he decides to step back into the format.
Virat Kohli Test Career Statistics
Virat Kohli remains one of the most successful batters in modern Test cricket. His leadership and batting performances helped India become a dominant team in the longest format.
Virat Kohli Test Career Overview
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Outs | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Balls Faced | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Fours | Sixes | Catches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 123 | 210 | 13 | 9230 | 254* | 46.85 | 16608 | 55.57 | 30 | 31 | 1027 | 30 | 121 |
Kohli’s last Test appearance came on January 3, 2025, in Sydney against Australia national cricket team.
Kohli’s Legacy in Test Cricket
During his career, Kohli helped build a strong and aggressive approach for India national cricket team in Test cricket.
Under his captaincy, India developed a competitive mindset and achieved several major overseas victories.
His ability to score big runs in difficult conditions made him one of the most respected batters of his generation.
Ashwin’s comments have reopened the conversation about Kohli’s future in Test cricket.
While retirement decisions remain personal, Kohli’s recent performances and fitness continue to fuel speculation about a possible return.
Fans will now wait to see whether the legendary batter surprises everyone by stepping back into the Test arena.
