The talk of Virat Kohli’s Test comeback has once again come into limelight after former Indian batsman Ambati Rayudu boldly suggested that the flamboyant right-hander should return to the purest form of cricket and also lead India again.
The debate reignited after Virat Kohli opened the IPL 2026 with an unforgettable unbeaten 69 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28. Chasing 202 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the RCB icon batted like a man on a mission and led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to an impressive six-wicket win in the tournament opener.
Ambati Rayudu calls for Virat Kohli’s spectacular Test comeback as India captain
Having been away from the game for the last few months, Kohli surprised everyone with his stroke play – from a brilliantly lofted straight drive in the seventh over to a smooth flick of the wrist in the tenth over which went over deep square leg. It was like seeing vintage Kohli again.
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This innings prompted Ambati Rayudu to make a bold claim on live TV, saying that Kohli still has five to six good years left in him and he should make a comeback to Test cricket immediately. The former CSK star also feels that Kohli could still make a comeback as India’s Test captain and this suggestion was also supported by former batting coach Sanjay Bangar.
He is the best red ball captain I have seen: Rayudu
“I don’t think he’s near the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him, and, as Sanjay (Bangad) and I were discussing earlier, he should also make a comeback in Test cricket – hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo’s post-match show.
The former CSK batsman further said, “We are serious. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket and the way he is batting now, it is a loss for Indian cricket.”
Should Virat Kohli make a comeback to Test cricket? pic.twitter.com/8ko5fNdFrR
– ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) 29 March 2026
Currently, Shubman Gill is India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma and Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 following the disaster of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
No one sells what Virat Kohli has: Kevin Pietersen
Meanwhile, a magical moment came on the fifth ball of Ishan Malinga’s seventh over. The ball fell right in the slot and Kohli knew exactly what to do. He paused for a second and then hit a perfect straight drive which went cleanly into the stands.
The shot was pure class, with everything from effortless timing to complete control and stunning beauty. Even former England superstar and commentator Kevin Pietersen, watching from the commentary box, could not believe how easily Kohli did it.
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Pietersen said on air during the RCB vs SRH match: “It’s timing, but you have to have that timing to create the timing. You have to get yourself in a position. That’s what I mean – he was in that position. His placement was perfect. He raised his elbows skyward, found the middle of the bat, and he has something that not a lot of people can have. You can’t buy what Virat Kohli has. That Virat Kohli has Nobody sells it.” That is good.”
That straight drive? live cinema
Virat Kohli paints the field with perfection
Big screen, big sounds. Watch the Champions commentary LIVE on JioHotstar app of your smart TV.#TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvSRH | LIVE NOW https://t.co/LWOEeT2vNG pic.twitter.com/nZAastmRuM
– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) 28 March 2026
