Former RCB batter Mohammad Kaif made a strong statement regarding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement amid the ongoing India vs South Africa ODIs. After India’s 0-2 loss in the home Test series against South Africa and Kohli’s century in the first ODI, speculation arose about a possible Test comeback.
However, during the post-match presentation after the first ODI, Kohli confirmed he would focus on a single format. Kaif praised Kohli, saying he is a man of his word who sticks to his decisions. He cited Kohli’s choice not to return as RCB captain in IPL 2025 after Faf du Plessis was released, supporting Rajat Patidar as the new skipper.
Kaif emphasized that Kohli would not reverse his retirement and return to Test cricket.
“Kohli has a habit of sticking to the decision that he makes. There are many players who have reversed their retirements. But Kohli is not among them. Even after he left captaincy in the IPL, the last time people told he should return as captain, but he did not. He made the decision and looked to back a junior and Patidar was the captain.”
“He has the guts that after he has taken the call, no matter what the reason is, he has taken it after thinking a lot, he will not come back now. People do want him but once these calls are taken, he is a man of his word, he will not come back,” he said on his YouTube channel.
“Kohli’s Discipline And Honesty Earned Teammates Respect”- Kaif
Mohammad Kaif also noted that this reflected Virat Kohli’s true character. The former RCB batter said Kohli’s commitment to keeping his word earned him the respect and trust of his teammates. Kaif added that it was a testament to Kohli’s discipline, extending beyond cricket to his fitness and overall approach to the game.
“It shows how good a human being he is too. There is discipline everywhere. How do you earn respect? If you have told something, he will back what he has told and he will not go back on his words. Such people can be respected and trusted by everyone.”
Kohli retired from Test cricket before India’s 2025 England tour. In 123 matches, he amassed 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries.
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