Virat Kohli would rather undersell his newly launched shoe than making a U-turn on his retirement from Test cricket to increase its profitability, the batting stalwart responded in jest on Sunday (June 21) when questioned about donning the traditional whites again.
Kohli is now a single format player for India, having retired from T20Is in 2024 and Tests last year. His newly launched signature shoe is priced at ₹9,230 to match his tally of Test runs.
At the One8 global premiere in Delhi, Kohli was asked whether he would consider a return to Test cricket to boost the profits of red coloured shoe which has been inspired by his contribution and commitment to the longest format.
In reply, Kohli said: "I would rather undersell. I am done with it (Test cricket)," prompting laughter from the crowd.
Virat Kohli, who made his Test debut in 2011, played an instrumental role in India's red-ball resurgence over the past decade with his aggressive captaincy, prolific batting and unmatched intensity on the field.
Kohli led his country in 68 Test matches and suffered defeat in only 17 of them. With 40 wins and 11 draws, he boasts a remarkable win percentage of 58.82, making him the most successful Test captain in India's history.
Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties, with the highest score of 254.
During the event, the star batter also provided a sneak peek into his elite mindset, specifically reflecting on his legendary, match-winning knock against Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
"I'm made this way. I almost crave situations when people feel like it's gone and then somehow you can manage to pull the game back. That's just how I look at the situations from a very young age. And I've never stopped believing, right till the very end, that the game is lost or we can't win. And some magical things have happened.
"One incident for me that will always stand out is that game against Pakistan in Melbourne. I was told later, chances of winning the game was like 3% or something. But I never thought like that. Even 1% is enough. If there is a chance, there is a chance. So, you're never really done until you lose the game," he stated.
In his early cricketing career, Virat Kohli’s intense aggression was his defining trait. He wore his emotions on his sleeve, frequently engaging in on-field confrontations and displaying a raw, unfiltered brashness.
Asked if his 18-year-old self would be surprised by his current personality, Kohli remarked: "Probably he could not imagine himself being this calm. Would probably expect him to be boisterous and rowdy still.
"Things have turned out in a good way, looking at what we are doing where, I will have a sense of pride. Feeling that I would walk into any room with my head held high. Not be hesitant about who I am and what I am trying to do. Just follow my vision and heart and have the conviction to be doing so. These are things I would be proud of."
Virat Kohli, 37, missed the just-concluded ODI series against Afghanistan at home due to a hamstring injury sustained during his match-winning knock of 75* in the IPL 2026 final for RCB on May 31.
Earlier in the day, Kohli was named in India's squad for the three-match ODI series against England next month, subject to fitness clearance, as the BCCI announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming white-ball assignment.
(With PTI Inputs)
