Former India captain Virat Kohli has once again put an end to speculation surrounding a possible return to Test cricket, making it clear that his decision to retire from the longest format remains unchanged. Despite repeated calls from fans and former cricketers urging him to reconsider, Kohli has confirmed that there will be no comeback to red-ball cricket.
The latest clarification came during a brand promotional event on June 21, where Kohli attended the launch of a new sports apparel collection. During a light-hearted interaction, host Danish Sait highlighted an interesting detail about a special red shoe released by the brand. The product was priced at Rs 9,230 — a direct tribute to Kohli’s final tally of 9,230 Test runs, one of the most remarkable records in Indian cricket history.
Sait jokingly suggested that Virat Kohli could return to Test cricket, score a few more runs, and help the company increase the shoe’s price even further. The comment drew laughter from the audience, but Kohli’s response was as straightforward as it was definitive. “I would rather undersell. I am done with it,” Kohli said with a smile, effectively shutting down any lingering hopes of a Test comeback.
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The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with cricket fans reacting to the former captain’s firm stance. While many supporters continue to believe Kohli still has plenty to offer in Test cricket, the 37-year-old appears completely at peace with his decision.
Virat Kohli on why money should never be the main motivation pic.twitter.com/hunn6PjpWp
— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) June 21, 2026
Kohli’s retirement from Tests last year surprised the cricketing world. The timing was particularly unexpected because he had recently returned to domestic cricket, featuring in the Ranji Trophy for the first time in more than a decade. Many observers viewed that move as a sign of his continued commitment to red-ball cricket and expected him to play a major role in India’s future Test assignments, including a challenging tour of England.
However, Virat Kohli chose to walk away from the format, bringing the curtain down on a legendary Test career that saw him score 9,230 runs, lead India to historic overseas victories, and transform the team’s approach to fast bowling and fitness standards.
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Earlier this year, Kohli offered insight into his decision during a Royal Challengers Bengaluru podcast appearance. He admitted that he no longer wanted to be in environments where he felt the need to constantly prove himself despite years of achievements. Now retired from both Tests and T20 Internationals, Kohli is focused exclusively on ODI cricket. Although the injury ruled him out of the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, Kohli has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming ODI series in England, subject to fitness clearance.
