Virat Kohli’s Test comeback talk is heating up again, and this time the buzz has been reignited by former India batter Robin Uthappa. Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May last year as India began a transformation with the next generation of players.
Currently, Kohli, one of the greatest hitters of his generation, is preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on January 11 in Vadodara, but the cricketing world is already abuzz over his potential return to the longest format of the game.
Is it time for Virat Kohli’s Test comeback?
In fact, the Indian Test team is going through one of its toughest phases, and many felt that the team needed the iconic Kohli in white. Under the captaincy of Gautam Gambhir, India were blanked 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 a decade, and now their chances for the ICC World Test Championship (WCT) 2025-27 are also very slim. Considering the current situation of the team, many former cricketers and fans have requested Kohli to revoke his retirement from Test as his fitness, form and hunger for runs remains the same even though he only plays in the ODI format.
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It’s time to call off Kohli’s Test retirement: Robin Uthappa
Today, Uthappa’s latest post on X (formerly Twitter) 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 that his eyes tell the story of a player always hungry for tough challenges.
Robin Uthappa posted on
These eyes tell us a story… It’s probably time to call off his test abandonment. I 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 fine form with the bat in the 50-over format in 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 match of the Vijay Hazare Trophy against Railways on January 6, but he had to join the Indian training camp in Vadodara, leading him to withdraw from the match. Earlier, Kohli smashed two centuries and a fifty against South Africa in the home ODI series.
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Recently, Kohli was seen sweating during India’s training in Vadodara, where he was mobbed by fans upon his arrival earlier this week. He will now be seen in action in the upcoming opening match of the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on January 11 at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium.
Virat Kohli’s love affair with the 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 best score against the Kiwis is 154, unbeaten.
He is set to take a major step forward in the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. He only needs 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.
