Shubman Gill out? Virat Kohli’s Test comeback as captain suggested by CSK legend

Virat Kohli’s Test comeback chatter has once again returned to the headlines after former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu boldly suggested that the dashing right-hander should return to the purest form of cricket and even lead India again.

The debate reopened after Virat Kohli lit up the IPL 2026 opener 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 guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a stunning six-wicket win in the tournament opener.

Ambati Rayudu calls for Virat Kohli’s stunning Test comeback as India captain

Kohli shocked everyone with his stroke play since he was away from the game for the last couple of months—from a majestic lofted straight drive in the seventh over to a smooth wrist flick in the tenth that sailed over deep square leg. It was like watching vintage Kohli all over again.

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This knock prompted Ambati Rayudu to make a bold claim on live TV, saying Kohli still has five to six high-quality years left and should return to Test cricket immediately. The former CSK star also feels Kohli can 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

Rayudu said on ESPNCricinfo’s post-match show, "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, and, as Sanjay (Bangar) and I were discussing earlier, he should make a comeback in Test cricket as well—hopefully as a captain.

The former CSK batter further added, “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 return to Test cricket? pic.twitter.com/8ko5fNdFrR

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) March 29, 2026

Currently, Shubman Gill is India’s Test captain after Rohit Sharma and Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2025 following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25 disaster in Australia.

No one sells what Virat Kohli has: Kevin Pietersen

Meanwhile, a magic moment arrived on the fifth ball of the seventh over from Eshan Malinga. The delivery landed right in the slot, and Kohli knew exactly what to do. He paused for a split second and then lifted a perfect straight drive that flew cleanly into the stands.

The shot was pure class, which has everything from smooth timing to full control and stunning elegance. Even the former England superstar and commentator Kevin Pietersen, watching from the commentary box, couldn’t believe how effortlessly Kohli pulled it off.

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Pietersen said on air during the RCB vs SRH match: “It is timing, but you've got to have that time to create the timing. You've got to get yourself into a position. That's what I mean—he was in that position. His placement was perfect. He popped his elbow up to the sky, found the middle of the bat, and has something a lot of people just can't have. You can't buy what Virat Kohli has off the shelf. No one sells what Virat Kohli has. He's that good.”

That straight drive? Straight-up cinema 🎬😮‍💨

Virat Kohli just paints the ground with perfection 👑✨

Screen badi, awaazein badi. Apne smart TV ke JioHotstar app pe dekhiye Champions waali commentary LIVE💥#TATAIPL 2026 | #RCBvSRH | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/LWOEeT2vNG pic.twitter.com/nZAastmRuM

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2026