Ravichandran Ashwin has made a clear, heartfelt statement about Virat Kohli’s future in Test cricket, suggesting a comeback is highly unlikely. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former India off-spinner urged fans to cherish the remaining years of both Kohli and Rohit Sharma, reminding everyone that “time is less” and that the sport cannot outrun the passage of time. His message was a reminder for fans to appreciate two modern greats while they are still playing.

Amid this, BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia has strongly refuted circulating rumours claiming that the board is trying to convince Kohli—or any other recently retired senior player—to reconsider their Test retirement.

Reports had hinted at internal discussions about a potential comeback, even suggesting that another recently retired star might change his mind if the board approached him. However, Saikia clarified to AajTak that these rumours are unfounded, stressing that “nothing of that sort has happened” and asking fans to avoid believing speculation.

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Ravichandran Ashwin, meanwhile, delivered a candid perspective. “How much time we have left to watch Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bat—let’s enjoy that. Once they’re done, people will say, ‘What a player he was, bring him back.’ That doesn’t work. Celebrate them while they’re still here,” Ashwin said on his show Ash Ki Baat. He emphasised that time moves quickly and fans should not take these cricketing icons for granted.

The chatter around Kohli’s potential Test return gained traction after India’s 2-0 home Test defeat to South Africa. Head coach Gautam Gambhir attributed the losses to a transition phase, compounded by an inexperienced batting order.

Over the past year, Kohli, Rohit, and Ashwin have all stepped away from Test cricket, following earlier exits by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. India is now fielding one of its youngest and least experienced Test batting units, especially on spin-heavy surfaces.

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Ravichandran Ashwin also lauded Kohli’s sublime touch in the first ODI in Ranchi but insisted that the former captain’s Test retirement was not an impulsive decision. “When someone like Kohli decides to retire from Tests, it is well thought out. Nobody makes such decisions instinctively. Fans want to see him, but Test cricket is different. He has made his choice, and we must respect it.”

He concluded by reminding fans that the Indian team is firmly in transition, and constantly revisiting past decisions only hampers progress.