Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in firmly on the growing speculation around Virat Kohli possibly reconsidering his retirement from Test cricket. Speaking on his Hindi YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the former India off-spinner said there is little reason to revisit the topic and stressed that Kohli’s decision would have been deliberate and deeply thought out.
Ashwin’s comments come after Kohli was asked about a potential comeback during media interactions following his century against South Africa in the first ODI in Ranchi. While the star batter has already dismissed rumours of a U-turn, Ashwin reiterated that such decisions are never impulsive. He added that players at Kohli’s level do not retire without clarity and conviction.
According to Ashwin, fans may feel tempted to hope for a return because of Kohli’s strong recent form in white-ball cricket. However, he emphasized that Test cricket is a completely different challenge and that both Kohli and the Indian team have moved forward. With India already entering a transition phase in red-ball cricket, he said revisiting the matter would not serve the team’s long-term goals.
Kohli announced his retirement from Tests in May 2025, choosing to continue solely in ODIs. After a brief slump following the Champions Trophy, he has bounced back with a half-century against Australia and a commanding hundred against South Africa. Despite his resurgence, Ashwin said the original decision stands and should be respected.
