Mohammad Kaif backs Virat Kohli’s decision to not take U-turn on Test retirement

Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has reacted to rumors regarding Virat Kohli’s return to Test cricket. Ahead of the first ODI against South Africa, it was learnt that discussions were held with Virat Kohli regarding his potential comeback to Test cricket.

After Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his match-winning knock of 135 runs off 120 balls, Kohli squashed those reports while talking to Harsha Bhogle in the post-match presentation.

Kaif said Kohli is a man of his words and when he has taken a call on his career, he is going to be at peace with it. Kohli decided to call time on his career in May ahead of the England tour.

The former UP batter cited IPL example when Virat Kohli didn’t resume captaincy duties for Royal Challengers Bengaluru when former skipper Faf du Plessis was released ahead of IPL 2025. 

“Kohli has a habit of sticking to the decision that he makes. There are many players who have reversed their retirements. But Kohli is not among them. Even after he left captaincy in the IPL, the last time people told he should return as captain, but he did not. He made the decision and looked to back a junior and Patidar was the captain. He has the guts that after he has taken the call, no matter what the reason is, he has taken it after thinking a lot, he will not come back now. People do want him but once these calls are taken, he is a man of his word, he will not come back,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.

Kaif said people like Virat Kohli have a lot of respect as they stick to one decision they make.

“It shows how good a human being he is too. There is discipline everywhere. How do you earn respect? If you have told something, he will back what he has told and he will not go back on his words. Such people can be respected and trusted by everyone.”

Meanwhile, Kohli continued his rich form in the second ODI against the Proteas, scoring his 53rd ODI century. The right-hander scored a fine knock of 102 runs off 93 balls to help India post 358 runs on the board.