‘Nothing would give more joy to 1.5B people; he is 24-carat gold’: Sidhu urges Kohli’s Test return

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has reignited debate over Virat Kohli’s Test retirement with an emotional Instagram post. Sidhu wrote, “If God granted me a wish I’d say bring Kohli out of his retirement & make him play Test Cricket …. 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.” Kohli retired from Test cricket on 12 May 2025 after 123 matches, amassing 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

Having already retired from T20 internationals following India’s T20 World Cup win, Kohli now focuses solely on ODIs, where his form remains impressive. Despite a rough start during India’s Australia tour, scoring consecutive ducks in the first two ODIs, he bounced back with an unbeaten 74 in Sydney as India comfortably chased 237, showcasing his enduring class and resilience in international cricket.

He continued his form with scintillating centuries in the home series against the Proteas.

This post by Sidhu has struck a chord with fans eager for Kohli’s red-ball return.

Sidhu’s comments on Kohli become all the more important as rumours of a possible rift between Kohli and Gambhir circulate, indicating that all is not well in the Indian dressing room as the team prepares for the tough challenges ahead, including the ICC Men’s ODI Cricket World Cup 2027. (With inputs from Agencies)