Legendary Indian all-rounder and 1983 World Cup winner Madan Lal has made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, requesting him to come out of Test retirement and return to the Indian red-ball squad. The plea comes after India’s narrow 22-run defeat to England in the third Test of the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Lord’s.
Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, has since faced a wave of appeals from former players and fans urging him to reconsider. According to sources, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also attempted to persuade the former captain to delay his retirement, but Kohli remained firm on his decision.
Speaking after the Lord’s loss, Madan Lal said:
“Someone like Virat, who has been the backbone of India’s Test team for over a decade, still has a lot to offer. His passion, discipline, and experience are unmatched. I strongly urge him to come back.”
India currently trails 2-1 in the five-match series, and Kohli’s absence is being increasingly felt in the middle order, both for his batting prowess and leadership instincts.
As the team looks ahead to the remaining two Tests, the cricketing fraternity continues to hope that Kohli might consider one last stint in whites for the nation.