Virat Kohli ruled out any possibility of returning to Test cricket, joking during the launch of his new footwear line that he would rather sell the product than make a comeback to add more runs to his Test tally.The former India captain, who retired from Test cricket last year after scoring 9,230 runs, was attending the global premiere of his One8 footwear line when he was lightly asked to make a comeback in white. The red colored shoe has been priced in line with Kohli’s Test score, prompting a suggestion that he could return to the longer format and add more value to the product. Kohli, however, quickly dismissed the idea with a smile.“I rather undersell. I’m done with it (Test cricket),” he said, drawing laughter from those in attendance.While the exchange provided a humorous moment, Kohli also spoke at length about the mindset that has defined his career. The big hitter explained that he has always been guided by the belief that a match is never over until the final result is decided, regardless of how difficult the situation seems.To illustrate this mindset, Kohli pointed to India’s unforgettable win over Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Melbourne, a match in which he produced one of the best innings of his career.“I am made in this way. I almost crave situations when people feel that it is gone and then somehow you can manage to pull the game.“That’s how I look at situations from a very young age. And I never stopped believing, until the end, that the game is lost or we can’t win. And some magical things happened.“One incident for me that will always stand out is that game against Pakistan in Melbourne. I was told later, the chance of winning the game was like 3% or something. But I never thought like that. Even 1% is enough. If there’s a chance, there’s a chance. So, you’re never really done until you lose the game,” said Kohli.The 37-year-old also reflected on how his personality has evolved over the years. Known for his fiery and aggressive attitude during the early stages of his international career, Kohli believes his younger self would be surprised by the calmness he carries now.“He probably couldn’t imagine himself being so calm. He probably expected him to be boisterous and boisterous as well.“Things went in a good way, looking at what we do where, I had a sense of pride. Feeling that I will go into every room with my head held high. Don’t hesitate about who I am and what I’m trying to do.“Just follow my vision and heart and have the conviction to do so. These are the things I would be proud of.”Kohli continues to be a major force in Indian cricket despite moving away from the Test arena. Now an international player in one format, he recently added another significant achievement to his glittering career by helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure a second consecutive IPL title.
Which aspect of Kohli’s personality do you find most admirable?
Although embracing a different phase of his journey, Kohli’s competitive spirit and self-belief remains as strong as ever.
