Virat Kohli, though retired from Test cricket, has once again become part of the India vs England series — but this time, through social media. He posted two tweets over two days, surprising fans who had assumed he had stepped away for good.

On Day 4 of the Edgbaston Test, Kohli shared a post that only featured Shubman Gill. It felt refreshing, especially since he had disappeared from social media after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s controversial IPL victory parade. Despite big moments in the Test series — five centuries at Leeds, a five-wicket haul by Jasprit Bumrah, and Gill’s double hundred — Kohli had stayed silent. Until Saturday.

That’s when he finally posted and assured fans that he was still following the series. Though he’s no longer an active Test cricketer, many believe Kohli is still, as some say, “omnipresent.”

His second tweet, shared after India’s massive 336-run win, sounded like the kind of message you'd expect from retired greats like Tendulkar or Laxman. Still, it mattered to fans because it meant Kohli was watching.

He wrote, “Great victory for India at Edgbaston. Fearless and kept pushing England to the wall. Brilliantly led by Shubman with the bat and in the field, and impactful performances from everyone. Special mention to Siraj and Akash for the way they bowled on this pitch.”

Jonathan Trott Thinks Kohli Misses the Dressing Room

Kohli’s tweet caught the attention of former England cricketer Jonathan Trott, who believed it revealed more than just praise. Trott said on Sony Sports, “No wonder he misses that dressing room feeling,” and suggested that the feeling of wanting to return might have hit him already.

Trott even joked, “Doesn’t he live in St. John’s Wood or nearby? Can he not be persuaded to come back?”

When someone pointed out that India’s No. 4 spot is now Gill’s after his terrific form in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Trott replied, “I’m sure he would have liked No. 5 or 3.”

Will Kohli Return to Test Cricket? Probably Not.

Though the idea of Kohli returning excites fans, the answer is most likely no. He announced his retirement from Tests on May 12 at age 36. Fans may believe he could have scored “900 runs and three easy centuries,” especially considering how well India’s batters are performing in England. But Kohli is not the same Test batter he once was.

In his last Test series in Australia, he was dismissed in the same way across nine innings — “caught outside the off stump.” There was no adjustment, no improvement. It was clear that age and form were catching up to him.

Even the greatest players can’t fight time. As many say, “Father Time spares no one.” That includes Kohli.

Kohli’s Legacy Is Already Complete

According to reports, Kohli is fully done with Test cricket. He now spends more time with his family — he has a four-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. After serving Indian cricket with passion and pride, Kohli has “achieved everything.” His trophy cabinet includes two World Cups, two Champions Trophies, and now, an IPL title.

Many feel there’s no reason to “accelerate when the gears are jammed.”

The Blue Jersey Is Still in Play

Even though his time in whites might be over, Kohli hasn’t left the game. He still plans to play One-Day Internationals. His return to ODIs, which was expected in August, may be delayed. But he is likely to wear the blue jersey again when India travels to Australia later this year for a three-match ODI series.

So, while Kohli may be retired from the longest format, the final word in his cricket story is yet to be written.