Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has made a passionate appeal for batting maestro Virat Kohli to reconsider his retirement from Test cricket. Uthappa's comments come in the wake of Kohli's blistering form in recent series, which has reignited debate about his place in the longest format.
The Plea for a Comeback
Taking to social media, Uthappa pointed to the visible determination in Kohli's demeanor. "Them eyes tell u a story…Surely it’s time to rescind his test retirement. Would love to see him back in Test cricket," Uthappa wrote on his Twitter account. Kohli, now 37, had announced his retirement from Tests ahead of the series against England last year.
His decision followed a period of modest returns during tours of Australia and New Zealand, barring a century in Perth. However, his explosive performances against South Africa have sparked conversations about a potential return.
An 'Unnatural' Exit for Veteran Duo
Uthappa also addressed the simultaneous retirement of former captain Rohit Sharma, suggesting their departures did not seem voluntary. "I don’t know if it was a forced surrender, but it definitely didn’t seem like a natural exit," Uthappa stated on his YouTube channel. He emphasized that only the players themselves could reveal the full truth behind their decisions.
Remarkably, Uthappa noted a significant change in both legends recently. "In both Virat and Rohit, you can see that hunger back in their eyes, which is really cool," he observed. He found it inspiring to witness such drive from veterans who have already achieved monumental success in international cricket.
Global Support: 'Age is Just a Number'
The sentiment for keeping seasoned performers in the game found an echo from New Zealand pace veteran Tim Southee. Speaking on the sidelines of the ILT20, where he leads the Sharjah Warriorz, Southee backed the Indian stalwarts.
"Kohli is arguably the best ever one-day batsman and if he’s still performing then why not," Southee told select media. He also referenced a recent century by Rohit Sharma in Australia as proof of their enduring class. "So, as long as they’re still performing and still contributing to the side then I believe age is only a number," the Kiwi bowler concluded, adding his voice to the growing chorus appreciating the veterans' lasting impact.
The discussion around Kohli and Sharma's future underscores a broader debate in modern cricket about managing the twilight years of all-time greats, especially when they show clear signs of possessing the skill and, as Uthappa highlighted, the unmistakable hunger to compete at the highest level.
