‘Come back as captain in Tests’ - Former India cricketer makes stunning request to Virat Kohli

Former India middle-order batter Ambati Rayudu has made a sensational comment regarding Virat Kohli’s international career after his heroics in the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. 

It was a vintage Kohli show at the M Chimmaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, in the match 1 of the IPL 2026, as he took his side Royal Challengers Bengaluru over the line with ease while chasing a target of 202. The right-hander played an unbeaten knock of 69 in just 38 balls.

Reacting to the same, Rayudu made a bold claim regarding Virat’s future as Indian cricketer, stating that the former Indian Test cricket captain should consider taking his retirement from the red-ball cricket back.

“I think he should make a comeback in Test cricket. Hopefully, as a captain. He's been the best red-ball captain that at least I have seen in Indian cricket. He should, the way he's batting, I think it's a loss for Indian cricket,” Rayudu said on ESPNcricinfo. 

He did not stop there, the former India colleague of Kohli also stated that what he saw from RCB opener against SRH was just a start, and he expects the right-hander to dominate cricket, especially IPL for the next five to six years more.

"I feel his best is yet to come in the IPL. What we have seen is just a trailer. Fitness was never an issue with him. I don't think he would ever get into any trouble with his physical fitness, getting late on the ball, or slowing down on the field. The only thing that can make him take a step back is his mental state. I don't think he's anywhere closer to the end of his career. I still see quality five to six years in him," Rayudu further stated.

The legendary batter from Delhi bid adieu to Test cricket in May 2025, announcing his decision on social media. He finished his career as one of India’s greatest batters in the longest format, scoring 9230 runs in 123 matches. Kohli also is considered one of the greatest Test match captains of all time for his impeccable record as captain.