Kevin Pietersen wants Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to return to Tests as rumours emerge

Legendary England batter Kevin Pietersen has supported the idea that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could be asked to make a return to Test cricket by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The rumours began on Sunday, when a few media reports stated that the BCCI could consider persuading a few of the recently retired players to reconsider their Test retirements.

The 0-2 whitewash by South Africa at home has attracted fan fury over head coach Gautam Gambhir’s selection choices. The Indian team has lacked experience since the retirement of stalwarts like Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin and the team management could be looking to make amends, reported Cricbuzz.

According to Cricbuzz, “the idea has begun to circulate” to approach Virat Kohli to take back his retirement and join the Test team again.

Pitersen wants Kohli, Rohit back in Tests

Reacting to the rumours, former England captain Pietersen said that if Kohli or Rohit wants to return, then it should be taken “seriously” as it would benefit the game.

“I don’t always believe what I read in the media or on social media. But, if it’s half true that both Virat and Rohit are considering playing Test cricket again, then it needs to be taken very very seriously,” he wrote on X.

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I don’t always believe what I read in the media or on social media. But, if it’s half true that both Virat and Rohit are considering playing Test cricket again, then it needs to be taken very very seriously.
The survival of Test cricket is a hot topic of conversation and if the…

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) November 30, 2025

“The survival of Test cricket is a hot topic of conversation and if the biggest stars in the game are wanting to play it again, they must play.”

Kohli slams 52nd ODI century

Just a few hours after the report, Kohli hit a phenomenal 135 from 120 deliveries in the ODI series opener against South Africa. With his ton, he became the first player to score 52 centuries in any international format. The right-hander hit 11 fours and seven sixes in his innings that helped India set up a 350-run target.

Kohli had earlier hit his 75th ODI half-century in his last international outing in Australia and the century in Ranchi further solidifies the fact that he can still dominate top-level bowling. Rohit, another recent Test retiree, also hit a half-century.

Agarkar attending Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy

Chief selector Agarkar, who too has been facing backlash after India’s poor Test performances, is currently attending the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. The former India fast bowler has been criticised for not attending domestic matches while going with the Indian team on international tours. He has also faced outrage for not selecting top First-Class performers.