Former Team India cricketer Madan Lal has urged stalwart Virat Kohli to make his return to the traditional format of the game, despite the retirement announcement he made prior to the five-match Test series against England.
“Virat Kohli`s passion for Indian cricket was unmatched. It`s my wish that he should come back to Test cricket after retirement,” Madan Lal said on CricketPedicta.
He also said that there is nothing wrong with coming out of retirement. “There`s nothing wrong with returning. If not in this series, he should make a comeback in the next,” he added.
Virat Kohli has been one of the greatest batsmen India has ever produced in Test cricket. Over the years, the veteran has also been a great promoter of the format.
Madan Lal`s comments have sparked fresh enthusiasm and speculation among fans, many of whom echoed similar sentiments online. Though Virat Kohli has not made any official statement regarding a return, this gentle nudge from a fellow Indian cricket great has once again opened the door to possibilities, at least among hopeful fans.
Adding to the chorus of admiration and hope, renowned cricket scholar and Cricket Predicta host Sunil Yash Kalra also weighed in with a poignant reflection. He shares, “Kohli imposed retirement, not decline. His hunger and fitness are intact. It`s rare to see someone walk away while still being among the best. He still has a lot to offer in Test cricket.”
As someone who played a crucial role in India`s historic 1983 World Cup triumph, Madan Lal remains one of the most respected voices in Indian cricket. Over a career spanning decades, he represented India in 39 Test matches and 67 One Day Internationals, scoring over 1,400 international runs and claiming 144 wickets. In the domestic circuit, he was a giant, amassing more than 10,000 First-Class runs and taking 625 wickets.
Known for his fighting spirit and his ability to rise to big occasions, Madan Lal`s words carry the weight of legacy. His appeal isn`t just to Virat Kohli; it`s a sentiment that resonates with an entire generation of Indian cricket lovers who aren`t ready to close the final chapter of Kohli`s Test career.
In the last match, Team India suffered a 22-run loss in the third Test match against England. With this loss, the Three Lions have taken a 2-1 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. Both teams will now clash against each other in the fourth Test match in Manchester from July 23.
(With ANI Inputs)
