Ambati Rayudu said Virat Kohli should return to Test cricket after the batsman scored a century during the IPL 2026 [1] opening match.

The call for a recall comes as Kohli continues to demonstrate high-level form in the shortest format of the game. Rayudu believes these performances prove Kohli remains a vital asset for the Indian national team in longer formats.

Rayudu said Kohli is playing "well above par in every condition" [1]. The former cricketer and current commentator based his assessment on Kohli's knock in the season opener, which he believes signals that the batsman is still in top form [2], [3].

While Rayudu praised the century, other reports from the match highlight the challenge Kohli faced. Yahoo Sports reported that bowler Prince Yadav took 3/33 [4], which included the dismissal of Kohli.

Despite the wicket, Rayudu said that Kohli's overall output justifies a return to the Test side [3]. He suggested that the ability to dominate in the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League translates to the resilience needed for Test matches [1].

Kohli has been a central figure in Indian cricket for over a decade, though his relationship with the Test squad has fluctuated in recent years. Rayudu's public plea adds to the ongoing debate regarding the veteran's role in the national team's long-term strategy [2].

The IPL 2026 season serves as a primary showcase for players to prove their fitness and form to national selectors. A century in the opening game provides significant momentum for any player seeking a return to the international fold [1].

“"well above par in every condition"”

This public endorsement by a former teammate underscores the tension between a player's T20 form and their suitability for Test cricket. While a century in the IPL demonstrates timing and power, national selectors must weigh these achievements against the different technical requirements of the five-day game, especially given the conflicting reports of Kohli's vulnerability to specific bowlers like Prince Yadav.