Virat Kohli finally breaks silence on his Test comeback

Published - 30 Nov 2025, 10:31 PM | Updated - 30 Nov 2025, 10:32 PM

Virat Kohli
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India National Cricket Team modern-day batting great Virat Kohli played a sensational knock in the ODI series opener against the South Africa National Cricket Team.

The stunning hundred smashed by Virat Kohli ensured that India posted a colossal total on the board and won the match against the Proteas at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi.

Virat Kohli breaks silence on Test comeback

In his previous outing in international cricket, Virat Kohli scored 74* runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground after registering back-to-back ducks in the series against the Australia National Cricket Team.

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Kohli, however, didn't start slowly this time around and destroyed the Proteas bowling unit in the first match itself. He was forced to arrive in the middle of the fourth over after Yashasvi Jaiswal got dismissed for 18.

The legendary batter brought out his aggressive avatar in the middle, and the way he batted from the start, it looked like he had set his eyes on a big score.

Kohli played an attacking brand of cricket and slammed his 52nd century in ODI cricket off 102 balls, before accelerating exceptionally well.

He was eventually dismissed by Nandre Burger after scoring 135 runs off 120 balls and his innings was studded with 11 fours and 7 sixes.

Virat Kohli won the Player of the Match award, and during the interaction with Harsha Bhogle, he revealed that he would continue to play only ODI cricket till the time he retires from international cricket and has no plans for a Test comeback.

"That's how it's always going to be - I'm just playing one form of the game," the batting great said during the post-match presentation ceremony.

Notably, some recent reports suggested that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is planning to bring back retired players, including Kohli, to the Test setup.

All my preparation is mental - Virat Kohli

During the same interaction, Kohli also stated that he prepared him mentally and physically for the series, which helped him deliver the goods. He elaborates:

"Today was really nice to kind of get into the game like that. Pitch played decently in the first 20-25 overs before it started to slow down. Was just about staying in the space of enjoyment. Of course when you get a start, you get into the situation, you know what needs to be done.

"The experience kicks in. I've never been a believer of preparation. All my preparation is mental. As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it's fine. I took a day off before the game. I'm 37 and need time for recovery."

If you've played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you're hitting balls - Virat Kohli

The modern-day batting great added that he is quite experienced to understand how his fitness levels and reflexes are, and it's just about being excited and mentally ready for the matches. He said:

"If you've played 300-odd games and so much cricket, you know when you're hitting balls in practice, you know the reflexes are there and the physical ability is there to bat long. As long as you're hitting the ball well and playing good cricket, it's about physically fit, mentally ready and excited."

Also Read: Ravi Shastri takes a dig at Gautam Gambhir, Ajit Agarkar after Virat Kohli hits 52nd ODI ton

Sonanchal Gautam

Sonanchal Gautam is a dedicated sports journalist, content manager, writer, and editor with over 4 y... Read more

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