Virat Kohli shuts down talk of Test comeback after century in Ranchi: 'That’s how it’s gonna be'

Virat Kohli shuts down Test retirement u-turn talks. (Photo: BCCI)

Virat Kohli once again proved his worth in India's ODI setup with a perfect century that shaped his Men in Blue's 17-run win over South Africa in the series-opener on Sunday (November 30) in Ranchi.

On a flat pitch at JSCA, Kohli smashed 135 off 120 balls. After the contest, he was asked whether he is considering a comeback a Test cricket after retiring earlier this year. He simply shut down the rumours and speculations that he is only going to be one format (ODI).

"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. That's how it's always going to be - I'm just playing one form of the game. 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," said Virat Kohli (Player of the Match) after the match.

Earlier​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ this year, Virat Kohli shocked the cricket world when he announced his retirement from Test cricket because he is the player and captain who has been a stalwart in Test cricket journey for India for 123 matches. He is just about 10000 runs away from touch walk out with great 29 test tons. Conversations about whether Kohli left Test cricket too early and if he still had the longest format to give were sparked by India’s recent Test-series defeat at home to South Africa again.

In the ODI match, India went into bat and were off to a flying start with the two veterans Rohit Sharma and Kohli adding 136 runs for the second wicket. The two legends threw back the years, mimicking each other stroke for stroke in a mesmerizing stand.

Breaking from his habit, Kohli was the one who led the powerplay, he kept going down the pitch no matter what and hitting the fast bowlers for sixes. Rohit looked in great form too and he made a quick 50 before getting out for 57, totally against the run of play. But Kohli was the one who didn’t budge from the other end, he was the lifeline of the innings and finally, he was able to make yet another brilliant ODI hundred, a dream to watch, he led India to a very challenging total of 349 ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌runs.