After Rohit Sharma announce the retirement from the test captaincy, there are some buzz going around about to Virat Kohli can make a comeback as Test captain or not. As per the current dynamics, its unlike to Virat Kohli accept a Test Captaincy again.
Why Virat Kohli not comeback as Test Captain ?
Virat Kohli enters 36 in 2025, still performing well, the BCCI may prefer to give chance someone younger for long-term continuity. Virat’s focus is on to continue his batting form and offering support to whoever takes captaincy after Rohit retirement. In previous, Kohli stepped down voluntarily from the Test captaincy in early 2022 and move on.
At that age, most players focus on managing workload and extending playing years, not taking on extra responsibilities and give chance to younger players.
Virat Kohli comeback in exceptional situations :
If there’s a crisis of leadership or no other player are there to lead then selectors might convince to Kohli for a short-term captain given his experience to younger players.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Kohli can take responsibility to mentor younger players like Shubhman Gill or Rishabh Pant and prepare them for long-term captaincy.
Kohli continues as a senior player and mentor in team, supports the younger generations.
Desire to Focus on Batting
Since giving up captaincy, Kohli has enjoyed a batting resurgence, especially in white-ball formats. Leading again may affect that renewed form due to added pressure.
BCCI focused on younger players to longitivity
BCCI is likely to build for the next 5–7 years, which means handing over the reins to a younger player.Appointing Kohli again could delay grooming a long-term leader.
Team Structures Dynamics
Kohli has already had a full captaincy cycle; a return could disrupt the current team structure or leadership hierarchy. BCCI is cleaner to move forward with a new generation.
To Secure Legacy
Kohli is already India’s most successful Test captain with 40 wins.
Returning to captaincy could risk his legacy if the team underperforms under his second term.
In short, Kohli’s chapter as captain is likely closed by choice and design, not by circumstance.
Unfinished Business
Kohli led India to the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2021, but didn’t win an ICC Test title.He might feel motivated to complete what he started, especially if India is close to another WTC final.
BCCI and Team Request
If the dressing room and BCCI specifically request him for stability and direction, Kohli might feel a sense of duty to return.
Kohli might accept the Test captaincy again only under special circumstances, like a leadership vacuum, short-term role, or India being on the brink of a major title.
Here are the most likely contenders to become India’s next Test captain after Rohit Sharma retires:
1. Jasprit Bumrah
Pros: Already served as vice-captain and captained in one Test (vs England, 2022); respected senior figure; leads by example.
Cons: Fast bowlers are often rotated due to workload; injuries could limit long-term leadership role.
2. KL Rahul
- Pros: Experienced in all formats; has captained India across formats (including Tests); composed personality.
- Cons: Inconsistent in Tests at times; not a guaranteed starter in all conditions.
3. Shubman Gill
- Pros: Young, technically sound, and seen as a long-term investment; has leadership potential.
- Cons: Still establishing himself in Test cricket; might be too early to hand over leadership.