The discussion about Virat Kohli’s Test comeback has become hot again and this time the discussion has been fueled again by former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa. Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket in May last year as India began a transition with the next generation of players.
Currently, Kohli, one of the greatest batsmen of his generation, is preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11 in Vadodara, but the cricket world is already abuzz about his possible comeback in the longest format of the game.
Is it time for Virat Kohli’s Test comeback?
Indeed, the Indian Test team is going through its toughest phase yet, and many felt that the team needed the return of the iconic Kohli in white. Under the coaching of Gautam Gambhir, India was defeated by New Zealand in 2024 and South Africa in 2025 in the home series.
They also lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a decade and now their chances of ICC World Test Championship (WCT) 2025-27 are also very slim. Given the current state of the team, many former cricketers and fans have called for Kohli to call off his Test retirement, as his fitness, form and hunger for runs remains the same despite playing only the ODI format.
Also read: By breaking Virat Kohli’s all-time record, Travis Head became a better Test cricketer than him!
Now is the time to revoke Kohli’s Test retirement: Robin Uthappa
Now, Uthappa’s latest post on X (formerly Twitter) has added fuel to the fire. Sharing Kohli’s picture from his net session, Uthappa highlighted the former Indian skipper’s intense focus and determination, and hinted that his eyes tell the story of a player who is still hungry for tough challenges.
Robin Uthappa posted on
His eyes tell your story…definitely time to cancel his Test retirement. Would love to see him back in Test cricket. pic.twitter.com/fxWcI8tF1X
– Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) 8 January 2026
Red-hot Virat Kohli is ready for New Zealand ODI
Meanwhile, Kohli has been in great form with the bat in the 50-over format in both international and domestic cricket. This powerful right-handed batsman scored 131 against Andhra and 77 against Gujarat for Delhi in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26.
The Delhi star was scheduled to play the third Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Railways on January 6, but he had to attend India’s training camp in Vadodara, due to which he had to miss the match. Earlier, Kohli had scored two centuries and one half-century in the home ODI series against South Africa.
Also read: Hardik Pandya broke BCCI protocol, put his body in danger before T20 World Cup 2026
Recently, Kohli was seen sweating it out during India’s practice in Vadodara, where he was mobbed by fans upon his arrival earlier this week. He will now be seen in action in the opening match of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium on January 11.
Virat Kohli’s love affair with Kiwis in ODI!
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 Kiwi team is 154 not out.
He is on the verge of achieving a big feat during the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. He needs just 25 more runs to complete 28,000 runs in international cricket, which will put him in an exclusive club along with legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara.
