Legendary Indian batter Virat Kohli began Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a statement performance, slamming an unbeaten knock of 69 to steer Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a thumping victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Facing a target of 202, Bengaluru were powered to a magnificent win by an imperious Virat Kohli, delivered in abundance, showing great awareness and control to steer the chase expertly.
Kohli's innings was lauded by former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, who believed that the Indian star could continue performing at the highest level for another five to six years. Rayudu encouraged Kohli to reconsider his decision to step away from Test cricket, hinting that the batter still has much to offer in the longest format.
“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 Test cricket as well - hopefully as a captain,” Rayudu said 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,” he added.
Notably, Kohli had brought an end to his red-ball career in 2025 following India’s disappointing outing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Kohli had finished his career as India's fourth-highest Test run-scorer of all time.