Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to "seriously" consider the potential return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to Test cricket. Pietersen's call comes amid rumors of the two modern-day greats contemplating a Test comeback, a proposition he believes is crucial for the format's survival in India.

The discussion around Kohli and Sharma's return gained traction after India's recent struggles in Test cricket, including a 0-2 series loss against South Africa at home. This marked the first time since 1984-85 that India had lost two consecutive Test series. Before this, they were also whitewashed 0-3 against New Zealand in October-November 2024. These defeats have led to criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir for allegedly phasing out Kohli and Sharma prematurely.

Pietersen emphasized the importance of having star players participate in Test cricket, stating that their presence is extremely important for the survival of Test cricket in India. He took to social media platform X to share his views. "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," Pietersen wrote. "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!".

Virat Kohli, aged 37, has played 123 Test matches, accumulating 9,230 runs at an average of 47, with 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries. His highest score is 254*. He last played a Test match in January 2025 against Australia, scoring 17 runs. While Kohli has an impressive Test record overall, his form had dipped in recent years. Since January 2020, he managed just two centuries from 33 Tests, averaging 32.

Rohit Sharma, 38, has featured in 67 Test matches, scoring 4,301 runs at an average of 41, including 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. Sharma's Test career includes 472 fours and 88 sixes. His most recent Test appearance was in December 2024 against Australia. Like Kohli, Sharma also experienced a decline in form, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia in late 2024 and early 2025. He retired from T20Is after leading India to a T20 World Cup title in June 2024.

Despite their Test retirements, both Kohli and Sharma have remained active in other formats of the game. Recently, they both scored half-centuries in the first ODI against South Africa and achieved their second successive century stand together. Kohli also scored his 52nd ODI century in the same match.

The potential return of Kohli and Sharma is seen by many as a significant boost for Test cricket in India, which has suffered from declining interest and performances recently. Pietersen's strong endorsement adds weight to the calls for the BCCI to seriously consider their comeback.