Virat Kohli Ends Test Retirement U-Turn Speculation, Says 'I'm Done' (Watch Video)
Virat Kohli, the 37-year-old Indian cricket star, has decisively shut down all speculation regarding a U-turn on his Test retirement, confirming he is 'done with it' during a brand launch in Delhi on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Having retired from Tests in May 2025 with 9,230 runs and 30 centuries, Kohli now focuses solely on ODIs, reaffirming his commitment to.
Star Indian batter Virat Kohli has put an end to swirling rumours about a possible U-turn on his Test cricket retirement, delivering a straightforward and emphatic 'I'm done with it' during a brand launch event in Delhi on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The 37-year-old's clear declaration firmly shuts the door on any hopes of seeing him don the whites again. India Squad for IND vs ENG ODI 2026 Announced: Shubman Gill to Lead; Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah Included.
Virat Kohli's Blunt Answer
Rumours Addressed at Brand Launch
The speculation gained traction across social media following various hints, including comments from his childhood coach. However, Kohli directly addressed the whispers at the launch of his One8 footwear line. When host Danish Sait playfully suggested that he might consider returning to Test cricket to increase the value of his newly launched 'Red Shoe', priced at INR 9,230, matching his exact Test run tally, Kohli's response was swift and unambiguous.
“Na na, I would rather undersell… I’m done with it (Test cricket),” Kohli stated, leaving no room for further interpretation. His remark promptly went viral, silencing the rumour mill.
Test Career and Retirement
Virat Kohli shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement from the longest format of the game in May 2025. At the time of his retirement, he had amassed 9,230 runs from 123 Test matches, including 30 centuries. He stands as India's fourth-highest run-getter in Test cricket, a testament to his impactful career in the format. Kohli's decision meant he opted against pursuing the elusive 10,000 Test runs milestone. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Blitz and Bowlers Help India A Beat Sri Lanka A in Final To Win ODI Tri-Series 2026.
Current Status and Future Ahead
Having retired from T20 Internationals after India's triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Virat Kohli is now active only in the One-Day International (ODI) format for India. Despite his Test retirement, Kohli remains a vital part of India's ODI setup.
He recently played a pivotal role in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lifting the IPL 2026 title, where he was their top scorer with 675 runs. Kohli was named in India's ODI squad for the upcoming tour of England, though his participation is subject to fitness following a hamstring injury sustained during the IPL 2026 final.
Kohli’s definitive statement closes a chapter on a significant aspect of his career, allowing him to fully focus on his commitments in the ODI format for the national team.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 21, 2026 07:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).