Indian and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) batting stalwart Virat Kohli has broken his silence on retiring from Test cricket, more than a year after doing so. The 37-year-old largely hinted at the management and selectors requiring him to prove his worth despite committing himself completely to the game.
“If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space” – Virat Kohli
Having played his final Test during the tour of Australia in 2024-25 in the month of January, the right-hander announced his Test retirement in May 2025. Kohli had a forgettable tour of Australia despite scoring a ton in the second innings of the series-opener in Perth. His weakness outside off-stump was brutally exposed by all the Aussie pacers, especially Scott Boland, whose nagging line and length got the better of the veteran multiple times. Eventually, he ended up with 190 runs in nine innings at 23.75.
Why did Virat retire from Test cricket, and will he play the 2027 World Cup or not?
Virat has answered everything: https://t.co/WshqgB7ita pic.twitter.com/WdSn1TMJk1
— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) May 15, 2026
Speaking on the RCB podcast, Kohli stated:
“My perspective is very clear. If I can add value to the environment that I am a part of and the environment feels like I can add value, I will be seen. If I am made to feel like I need to prove my worth and my value, I’m not in that space. Because I am being honest to my preparation. I am being honest to how I approach the game. I put my head down. I work hard. I am very thankful to God for giving me everything that I have been given in my cricketing career. And I feel very blessed and grateful for the opportunity. And when I arrive to play, I put my head down.”
The Delhi-born cricketer did return to first-class cricket in January as he played for Delhi against the Railways but was comprehensively bowled by Himanshu Sangwan for 6. Additionally, he endured a poor home series against New Zealand, managing only 93 runs in six innings. Arguably the most successful Test captain that India has had, Kohli ushered them to 40 victories in 68 matches.
IPL 2026: How has Virat Kohli performed for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
Meanwhile, the veteran has been in excellent form for RCB in IPL 2026, aggregating 484 runs in 12 innings at 53.77. Kohli scored a majestic hundred against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in RCB’s most recent game to take their side to victory, thereby bouncing back from consecutive ducks.
RCB, who are the defending champions, are also assured of a playoff spot with 8 wins in 12 games.
