Virat Kohli’s brilliant hundred in Ranchi once again put him at the center of cricket conversations, but it also revived an old question—will he return to Test cricket? After the match, when he sat down for an interview, the question finally surfaced. Fans were hoping for a surprise, but Kohli didn’t stretch the suspense.
Harsha Bhogle directly asked him whether he would consider coming back to the Test format. Kohli didn’t hesitate. He simply said that he is playing only one format now, and that is how it will stay. His reply was short, clear, and enough to settle the ongoing speculation.
The clarity in his answer matched the clarity he showed in his batting earlier that day. His 135 in Ranchi wasn’t just a commanding knock—it was also a reminder of how strong he still is in limited-overs cricket. The innings carried India to a strong position, and once again Kohli showed his control in pressure situations.
🗣️🗣️ As long as my physical levels are up and the mental sharpness is there, then you know it's fine.@imVkohli on his fitness and preparation leading up to the series 🫡💪
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 30, 2025
Match Highlights ▶️ https://t.co/dzqGUrq57R#TeamIndia | #INDvSA | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/lMrjW8dCby
Kohli also opened up a bit about his preparation at this stage of his career. He explained that he no longer focuses on long hours of practice; instead, he believes staying mentally sharp and physically refreshed matters more. According to him, if his mind and body are in sync, that’s all he needs to perform.
The response may not be what Test cricket fans wanted to hear. Many still hoped he would reconsider, especially after seeing him bat with such fluency. But Kohli made it clear that he doesn’t want to juggle formats anymore, and he’s comfortable with the direction he has chosen.
With that, his Ranchi century and his straightforward answer wrapped up the debate. Kohli seems fully focused on giving his best in the formats he continues to play, and for his supporters, that commitment might be the most important thing of all.