Virat Kohli’s Test comeback talk is heating up again, and this time, the buzz was reignited by the former Indian batter Robin Uthappa. Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May last year as India kicked off a transformation with the next generation of players.
Presently, Kohli, one of the greatest batters of his generation, has been preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, beginning January 11 in Vadodara, but the cricket world is already buzzing over his potential return to the longest format of the game.
Is it time for Virat Kohli’s Test return?
Actually, the Indian Test team is going through one of its toughest phases, and many felt the team needs the iconic Kohli back in whites. Under Gautam Gambhir’s coaching, India was whitewashed in the home series by New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025.
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They also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after one decade, and now their ICC World Test Championship (WCT) 2025-27 chances are also very slim. Given the current situation of the team, many former cricketers and fans have called on Kohli to revoke his Test retirement, as his fitness, form, and hunger for runs remain the same despite playing only the ODI format.
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It’s time to rescind Kohli’s Test retirement: Robin Uthappa
Now, Uthappa’s latest post on X (formerly Twitter) has added fuel to the fire. Sharing Kohli’s photo from his net session, Uthappa highlighted the former Indian captain’s intense focus and determination, hinting his eyes tell the story of a player still hungry for the tough challenges.
Robin Uthappa posted on X: “Them eyes tell you a story… Surely, it’s time to rescind his test retirement. Would love to see him back in Test cricket.”
Them eyes tell u a story…Surely it’s time to rescind his test retirement. Would love to see him back in Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/fxWcI8tF1X
— Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) January 8, 2026
Red-hot Virat Kohli gears up for New Zealand ODIs
Meanwhile, Kohli has been in sizzling form with the bat in the 50-over format in both international and domestic cricket. The dashing right-hander scored 131 against Andhra and 77 against Gujarat for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
The Delhi star was supposed to play the third Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on January 6, but he had to join India’s training camp in Vadodara, leading him to opt out of the match. Earlier, Kohli had smashed two centuries and one fifty against South Africa in the ODI series at home.
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Recently, Kohli was seen sweating it out during India’s practice in Vadodara, where he was mobbed by fans on his arrival earlier this week. He will now be seen in action in the upcoming three-match ODI series opener against New Zealand on January 11 at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.
Virat Kohli’s Love Affair with Kiwis in ODIs
Virat Kohli has been a nightmare for New Zealand in ODIs. In 33 matches against the Black Caps, the Indian batting superstar has so far scored 1,657 runs at an impressive average of 55.23, including six centuries and nine fifties. His highest score against the Kiwis is an unbeaten 154.
He is on the verge of achieving a major milestone during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. He needs just 25 more runs to cross 28,000 runs in international cricket, which would put him in an elite club alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
