Virat Kohli Dismisses Test Cricket Comeback Rumors at Shoe Launch

Virat Kohli has put to rest any speculation about a return to Test cricket, stating he is fully retired from the format. During a recent shoe brand launch in Delhi, he emphasized his focus on promoting his new venture instead. Kohli, who retired from Test cricket last year, remains an active player in ODIs and recently played a pivotal role in the IPL. His comments have sparked discussions across social media, highlighting his significant contributions to the sport and his current focus.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 21, 2026, 17:23 IST

Kohli's Firm Stance on Test Cricket

Virat Kohli has firmly rejected any speculation regarding a return to Test cricket, amidst swirling rumors on social media. The 37-year-old cricketer made these remarks during the launch event of his shoe brand in Delhi on June 21. When questioned by the host about the possibility of adding to his Test runs, Kohli decisively stated that he has moved on from the format, expressing a preference for promoting his shoe line instead. 'I would rather undersell. I am done with it. Thank you,' he remarked, a statement that quickly gained traction online.

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Kohli's Retirement from Test Cricket

For those unfamiliar, Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last year, a decision that surprised many in the cricket community. Over his career, he participated in 123 Test matches, accumulating 9,230 runs and achieving 30 centuries. He opted not to pursue the milestone of 10,000 runs, placing him as India's fourth-highest run-scorer in Test history, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. Notably, no other Indian player has surpassed his tally of centuries in red-ball cricket at the international level.

Despite stepping away from Test matches, Kohli continues to play One Day Internationals (ODIs) for India, being the only format he remains active in after retiring from T20Is following India's victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Although he missed the recent series against Afghanistan due to an injury, he has been included in the squad for the upcoming tour of England, pending fitness assessments. Kohli's last appearance was during the 2026 IPL, where he significantly contributed to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching the title, scoring 675 runs at a strike rate of 165.84, and earning the Player of the Match award in the final against Gujarat Titans with an impressive 75 runs off just 44 balls.