Former Indian cricketer and commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has ignited a fresh wave of discussion and nostalgia among cricket fans with a heartfelt social media post about Virat Kohli's Test retirement. Sidhu's emotional appeal, shared on Instagram, has resonated deeply, prompting conversations about the possibility of a comeback for the modern batting great.
Sidhu's Heartfelt Wish for a Billion Fans
Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Sidhu penned a poignant message directed at the recently retired Test star. "If God granted me a wish I'd say bring Kohli out of his retirement & make him play Test Cricket …." Sidhu wrote. He emphasized the unparalleled joy it would bring to the nation, adding, "Nothing would give more joy and ecstasy to a country of 1.5 billion! His fitness is that of a twenty year old — he himself 24 carat gold." This public yearning from a respected former player has tapped into the sentiments of countless fans who miss watching Kohli in the whites.
The End of an Illustrious Test Career
Virat Kohli formally concluded his distinguished Test journey on 12 May 2025. He stepped away from the longest format after a monumental career spanning 123 Test matches. His final tally stands at a colossal 9,230 runs, scored at an impressive average of 46.85. The cornerstone of India's batting for over a decade, Kohli registered 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries in Test cricket. This retirement followed his exit from T20 Internationals in 2024, right after India's triumphant T20 World Cup campaign in Barbados. Consequently, the former captain is now a dedicated single-format player, focusing entirely on One Day Internationals.
Kohli's Unstoppable ODI Resurgence in 2025
Despite leaving two formats behind, Virat Kohli's hunger for runs in ODI cricket remains undiminished, proving Sidhu's point about his supreme fitness and class. The year 2025 saw a minor blip followed by a masterful resurgence. After India's Champions Trophy win in March, the team toured Australia. The series began unusually for Kohli, who registered back-to-back ducks in the first two ODIs—a first in his international career.
However, the champion batter responded in characteristic style. In Sydney, he scored an unbeaten 74, combining with skipper Rohit Sharma (121*) to chase down 237 with over 11 overs to spare. He then carried this sublime form to South Africa, smashing back-to-back centuries in the first two ODIs. Kohli sealed the series with an unbeaten 65 in the third ODI, guiding India to a chase of 271 and a 2-1 series victory.
The statistics from the year underscore a phenomenal comeback. The 37-year-old finished with 651 ODI runs from 13 innings at a staggering average of 65.10. This enduring excellence and relentless drive are precisely what fueled Navjot Sidhu's public wish. While a Test return remains a matter of personal choice for Kohli, his current form confirms that his appetite for the game and his ability to dominate world-class bowling are very much intact, keeping the hopes of a billion fans alive.
