Following India's emphatic victory over England in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, a sense of nostalgia seems to have gripped fans and perhaps even some within the team, with talks emerging about the potential return of Virat Kohli to the Test squad. India won the match by 336 runs, securing their first-ever Test win at Edgbaston and leveling the series 1-1.
The absence of Kohli, who retired from Test cricket prior to the series, has been noted, with some suggesting that his presence in the dressing room is sorely missed. Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has even speculated that if India faces a heavy defeat in the series against England, the team management and selectors might consider requesting Kohli to reconsider his retirement. Clarke emphasized Kohli's passion for Test cricket, suggesting that a strong appeal from the team could entice him to return.
However, opinions are divided on whether Kohli's return is necessary. Some argue that while Kohli's energy and aggression are valuable assets, his average in England might not warrant a comeback solely based on performance. Others believe that Kohli's experience and leadership would be invaluable, especially if the team struggles.
Adding fuel to the fire, a former England cricketer has wondered if Kohli could be persuaded into taking back his Test retirement. The debate extends to Kohli's potential batting position, with discussions arising about whether he would be willing to bat at No. 3 if Shubman Gill, who is currently captaining the side and has been in good form, continues to perform well. Gill led from the front, scoring 269 runs in the first innings and 161 in the second, helping India post a huge total.
The series has also witnessed the emergence of new talent, with Akash Deep taking a remarkable 10 wickets in the Edgbaston Test and Shubman Gill becoming the youngest Indian captain to win an overseas Test. These performances have showcased the potential of the younger players, adding another layer to the debate about Kohli's return and the team's future direction.
Ultimately, whether Virat Kohli will consider a Test comeback remains to be seen. The decision will likely depend on a combination of factors, including India's performance in the remaining Test matches, Kohli's personal desire to return to the red-ball format, and the team management's assessment of the team's needs. The five-match series continues with the third Test at Lord's.