Ambati Rayudu Urges Virat Kohli’s Test Comeback as Captain After IPL 2026 Heroics

Ambati Rayudu believes Virat Kohli still has 5–6 years of top cricket left and has urged him to return to Test cricket as captain after his IPL 2026 brilliance.

Former India and Chennai Super Kings cricketer Ambati Rayudu has thrown his weight behind Virat Kohli, stating that the batting superstar still has several years of top-level cricket left in him. Rayudu’s remarks came after Kohli’s sensational innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, which once again highlighted his class and consistency.

Kohli’s dominant display in the chase impressed fans and experts alike, with Rayudu insisting that the former India captain is far from nearing the end of his career. According to him, Kohli’s current form suggests he can continue performing at the highest level for years to come.

Call for Test Return and Captaincy

Rayudu went a step further by suggesting that Kohli should consider returning to Test cricket, even as captain. Having retired from the longest format in 2025, Kohli’s absence has been widely discussed, but Rayudu believes Indian cricket still needs his leadership.

“I don’t think he is anywhere close to the end of his career. I think he still has five or six quality years left in him and, as Sanjay (Bangar) and I were discussing earlier, he should make a comeback in Tests as well, hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu said while speaking on ESPNCricinfo.

“We are serious. He is the best red-ball captain I have seen in Indian cricket and the way he is batting now, it is a loss for Indian cricket,” Rayudu added.

Virat Kohli’s Form Proves a Point

Kohli marked his return to T20 cricket in style, smashing an unbeaten 69 off 38 balls to guide Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a convincing win. It was his 28th IPL half-century and a statement innings after a long break from the format.

The veteran entered IPL 2026 in red-hot form, having delivered consistently in the ODI format earlier in the year. His performances against New Zealand national cricket team and South Africa national cricket team saw him emerge as India’s leading run-scorer, including multiple centuries.

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Addressing concerns around his break from T20 cricket, Kohli had earlier clarified that managing workload and avoiding burnout has been his priority, ensuring he returns fresh and fully prepared whenever he steps onto the field.