Virat Kohli swiftly dismissed rumours of a Test comeback after putting in a Man of the Match performance against South Africa in the opening ODI in Ranchi on Sunday.
The former Indian skipper walked out of the pavilion early in the match following the dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Along with Rohit Sharma in the middle, Kohli constructed the Indian innings with poise and composure as the duo set up a 136-run partnership.
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Following the dismissal of Sharma at 57, Kohli changed gears and scored a sensational century of 102 balls before falling to Nandre Burger on 135 in the 43rd over.
India put up a massive score of 349 in 50 overs, and then bowled out South Africa for 332 to clinch a 17-run victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Will Virat Kohli make a Test comeback?
The rumour mill has been on overdrive about a potential Kohli comeback in Tests following India's lean patch of form in the longest format of the game. They succumbed to a 2-0 series defeat to the Proteas at home, where none of the Indian batters could particularly impress.
Kohli retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, but speculations continued to brew whether the Indian great remains open to making a comeback.
In the post-match presentation after the ODI, Harsha Bhogle asked him if he was going to continue playing just one format or if there was a change in decision.
However, Kohli, was unequivocal in his response and said: "Yes, and that's how it is going to be. I’m just playing one form of the game."
Before retiring from Tests, Kohli had put out a heart-warming statement on social media which read: "It's been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It's tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I'll carry for life. There's something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.
"As I step away from this format, it's not easy - but it feels right. I've given it everything I had, and it's given me back so much more than I could've hoped for. I'm walking away with a heart full of gratitude - for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I'll always look back at my Test career with a smile."
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia had also earlier dismissed the rumours of a comeback and told Aaj Tak: "What’s being said about Virat Kohli is just a rumour. There has been no conversation with Kohli about this. Do not give weight to rumours. Nothing of that sort has happened."
How did Virat Kohli celebrate his century at Ranchi?
Kohli brought up his century by slicing the ball to the left of backward point for a boundary, guiding the ball past the fielder.
The moment it crossed the rope, he leaped and punched the air in delight with an aggressive celebration, before removing and placing his helmet and gloves on the ground. He then kissed the pendant around his neck and looked up at the sky in gratitude, with his trademark gesture.
His hundred celebration was also met with a standing ovation from the Indian dugout, with Rohit leading the applause. During this, a fan had also invaded the field and touched Kohli's feet.
This was his 52nd hundred in the ODI format and 83rd overall in international cricket. His last ODI century came during an unbeaten 100* in a winning chase against Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Fans had been waiting months to see him return to top form since the Champions Trophy win in March 2025. After a seven-month absence, Kohli returned during the October tour of Australia but began with two ducks before scoring an unbeaten 74 in Sydney.
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