Following India’s 17-run victory over South Africa and taking a 1-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series, Virat Kohli was awarded the Man of the Match award.
Recently, media outlets reported that the BCCI could approach Kohli to [endeavor/try] to persuade him to consider a return to Test cricket. When asked about any future participation in Test matches, the 37-year-old former captain categorically denied the reports after the match on Sunday in Ranchi, stating he will now only participate in one format of the game.
Kohli said after the match,
“I am 37 years old, and I need time to recover. I now play only one format. When you have played more than 300 matches, you understand your body. If you are timing the ball well and playing good cricket, then you can stay fit, stay ready, and enjoy the game.”
There have been many stories stating that the BCCI is in talks with Virat Kohli about playing for another team; however, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has confirmed in an interview with the Times of India that this is simply false information.
He told India Today,
“Whatever is being said about Virat Kohli is just a rumour. There has been no discussion with him. Don’t give attention to these rumours.”
Kohli retired from Test cricket in May 2022, and over his 123 Tests for India, he scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 hundreds.
In the match on Sunday, Kohli batted 135 runs off 120 balls, and his partnership of 136 runs with Rohit Sharma for the second wicket helped India reach 349 for eight at Ranchi.
