Former India batter Ambati Rayudu has made a bold statement about Virat Kohli, insisting that the star batter still has several years of top-level cricket left and should even consider a return to Test cricket—possibly as captain. His remarks came after Kohli’s commanding performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026.
Kohli’s unbeaten 69 off 38 deliveries at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was a masterclass in controlled aggression, blending elegance with intent. From his trademark flicks to a stunning lofted straight drive, the innings once again underlined why he remains one of the finest modern-day batters.
Rayudu, clearly impressed, dismissed any talk of Kohli nearing the end of his career. “I don’t think he is anywhere close to the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him,” Ambati Rayudu said during a discussion on ESPNCricinfo.
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He went a step further, backing Kohli for a potential return to red-ball cricket. “He should make a comeback in Tests as well, hopefully as a captain. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket,” he added.
Virat Kohli, who stepped away from Test cricket in 2025, has continued to deliver across formats. His recent form only strengthens Rayudu’s argument. Before IPL 2026, Kohli was in sublime touch during the ODI series against New Zealand, scoring 93, 23, and 124, finishing as India’s top run-getter. He had also dominated the previous ODI series against South Africa, amassing over 300 runs, including two centuries.
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Despite a 10-month break from T20 cricket, Kohli showed no signs of rust. Instead, he looked refreshed and sharper than ever—something he attributes to managing workload and avoiding burnout. With form, fitness, and hunger still intact, Kohli’s journey appears far from over, and voices like Rayudu’s are only adding fuel to the debate around his future in international cricket.
