Virat KohliOne of the biggest brand ambassadors of Indian cricket in modern times, he has been in great form since his return to international cricket last year after retiring from the oldest format of the game.
This article talks about the possibility of Virat Kohli’s possible return to Test cricket, a format that is close to his heart.
Virat Kohli’s Test comeback: A reality or far-fetched optimism?
decision
Everyone was surprised when Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket, as there were no signs of him making any such announcement in the near future, but he along with Rohit Sharma decided to bid goodbye to this particular format ahead of the five-match series against England.
After this, when Kohli came to bat in the first ODI against Australia, he had to wait for more than three months to see him back in action.
form
Although Kohli’s comeback was marked by back-to-back ducks against the Australian team, the former Indian captain made up for it by scoring an aggressive half-century in the final match and has not looked back since.
Virat started the current domestic season with consecutive centuries against South Africa, including an unbeaten half-century, earning him another player of the series award.
More than the runs, Kohli’s run-scoring style reminded fans of 2016, when he was at the top of his game and scoring runs for fun in all three formats of the game.
speculation
The right-handed batsman’s match-winning performance against South Africa has also fueled speculation about his return to Test cricket, given the position the Indian Test team finds itself in after losing series against New Zealand and South Africa at home.
If Kohli decides to make himself available for at least the current World Test Championship cycle, it wouldn’t be a bad decision, as India are scheduled to tour New Zealand later this year.
challenge
The Shubman Gill-led side will have to get the job done in a country where India has not won a Test series since 2009 and will have to rely on experienced players. Virat Kohli is someone who can make things easy for many young players in India.
The Test series against Australia, leave alone New Zealand, will also be no easy task as it will involve testing spin, and considering India’s recent record against spin, fans have every reason to guarantee Kohli will be at the helm of affairs in Sri Lanka.
Possibility
Having said that, if we look at the history of Indian cricket, nothing like this has happened in the country, at least at the highest level, and considering the approach of the selectors and coaches, Kohli’s Test comeback seems unlikely.
However, it would not be a surprise if those at the top decide otherwise, and Kohli is said to be setting things right as far as Indian Test cricket is concerned.