There's nothing wrong with returning: Madan Lal urges Virat Kohli to relinquish retirement and return to Test cricket
Madan Lal
has expressed his desire to see
Virat Kohli
don the whites once again, even after the latter announced his retirement from Test cricket.
Speaking at CricketPredicta, Madan Lal's message came not just as a former cricketer but as someone who deeply understands what it means to represent the nation.
"Virat Kohli's passion for Indian cricket was unmatched. It's my wish that he should come back to Test cricket after retirement," said Madan Lal.
"There's nothing wrong with returning. If not in this series, he should make a comeback in the next," he added.
The legendary cricketer, known for his grit and commitment, went on to emphasise the value of Kohli's presence in the dressing room and on the field, his energy, experience, and leadership qualities that continue to inspire young players and fans alike. 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.
Live Events
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, "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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
28 minutes ago
- India.com
From Breaking Gabba's Fortress To First Win At Edgbaston In 58 Years: India's Historic Overseas Test Victories In Recent Years
photoDetails english 2934204 Updated:Jul 20, 2025, 08:35 AM IST First win at MCG in 37 years (2018) 1 / 7 India's victory at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in 2018 was a monumental moment. Led by Virat Kohli, India dominated Australia to secure a rare away win, their first at this iconic venue since 1981. This match set the tone for India's historic Test series win Down Under. First ever win at Gabba in 74 years (2021) 2 / 7 In one of the most dramatic victories in Test cricket history, a young and injury-ravaged Indian side breached Australia's fortress, the Gabba. Australia had not lost a Test at Brisbane in over three decades, and this was India's first-ever win at the venue since they began touring there, making it a landmark moment. First win at The Oval in 50 years (2021) 3 / 7 India ended a 50-year drought at The Oval in London with a remarkable win in the fourth Test against England. Buoyed by performances from the entire unit, this victory was a statement of India's dominance in swinging conditions. First-ever win at Centurion in 11 years (2021) 4 / 7 India kicked off their South Africa tour in style with a win at Centurion, a venue where visiting teams often struggle. This was India's first-ever win at this ground, marking another box ticked in their overseas Test journey. First win at Cape Town in 31 years (2024) 5 / 7 After decades of heartbreak in South Africa, India finally registered a historic victory at Newlands, Cape Town. This was their first Test win at the venue in 31 years, showcasing their ability to adapt and succeed in hostile conditions. First win in Birmingham in 58 years 6 / 7 India's win at Edgbaston, Birmingham, in 2025 was yet another historic achievement. It was their first win at the ground in 58 years, breaking a long streak of missed opportunities. This win further cemented India's credentials as a dominant touring team. Can they break Manchester's 89-year curse? 7 / 7 India will face England for the 4th test at Old Trafford, Manchester, where England have had their fortress for 89 years. Can Shubman Gill's young gun break another ground curse?
New Indian Express
28 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Meet V Subramani: The Kho Kho player from TN whose journey is shaped by grit, hunger and sacrifice
Now pursuing an MA in English Literature at KG College of Arts and Science, Subramani says the turning point came when Chief Minister M K Stalin awarded him Rs 25 lakh for his World Cup achievement. 'We've repaid our loans and started building a new house,' he says. His love for Kho Kho began in Class 6 at TNGR Higher Secondary School in Varadharajapuram, where his elder brother Saravanan, also a Kho Kho player, introduced him to the game. 'My parents didn't approve of it initially. When I failed one subject, they scolded me and told me to quit. But I just couldn't — I was too passionate,' he says. Over the years, Subramani carved out a place for himself in the sport — representing Tamil Nadu in four senior nationals, four South Zone college tournaments, a senior South Zone men's national, and a senior national game. He also played for Telugu Yoddhas in 2023 and Gujarat Giants in 2024. At the World Cup, he stood out in the quarter-final clash against Sri Lanka, winning the Best Attacker award. 'That was a special moment. I felt everything I'd gone through was worth it,' he says. Despite his achievements, the union government is yet to recognise his contribution by offering him a government job — a form of security many athletes in lesser-known sports hope for after their playing years. His school PE teacher, Dr M Ashok Kumar — now an assistant professor at Sri Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya College of Arts and Science — says this needs to change. 'Kho Kho players deserve the same recognition and job security as athletes in other sports. If we want more Subramanis, the system has to support them,' he says. But Subramani isn't one to dwell on uncertainty. 'I want to keep playing as long as I can,' he says. 'And I want to train the next generation of Tamil Nadu players, so that India keeps winning this title, year after year.' The medals will tarnish, the limelight may fade. But somewhere in Coimbatore, one young man keeps chasing — not just for himself, but for every child who dreams of turning struggle into strength, and silence into a story worth telling. (Edited by Mary Catherene)
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
No India vs Pakistan Match In WCL After Shikhar Dhawan, Other Players Pull Out
The India vs Pakistan match in the World Championship of Legends has been cancelled after Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and many other players pulled out. The match, scheduled to take place in Birmingham (England), was to be held on Sunday (July 20), but the Indian players' stance forced the organisers to call off the contest. The decision was announced by the organisers on social media after Shikhar Dhawan reiterated his stance of not playing against Pakistan. Ahead of the scheduled Indo-Pak showdown, Dhawan took to social media to share the letter he wrote to the organisers about his decision not to play against Pakistan in the tournament. The decision comes in the wake of the tensions between the two countries on the border, especially after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that led to 26 tourists being killed. While India and Pakistan have not been playing bilateral cricket against each other for more than a decade, the two sides do square off in multi-team events organised by the International Cricket Council and Asian Cricket Council. With the WCL being a private competition, however, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) neither controls the league nor its players. "The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow's match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed. All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details," the official X account of Edgbaston Stadium announced. The event organisers of WCL have confirmed that tomorrow's match between India and Pakistan (Sunday 20th July at 16.30) has been cancelled. Please do not attend as the stadium will be closed. All ticket holders will receive a full refund, please see below for further details. — Edgbaston Stadium (@Edgbaston) July 19, 2025 Taking to social media, Dhawan confirmed his stance on the eve of the contest He said: " Jo Kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh see badhkar aur kuch nahi hota. (The decision I took on 11 May, I still stand by it. My country is everything to me, and nothing is greater than the country)." Jo kadam 11 May ko liya, uspe aaj bhi waise hi khada hoon. Mera desh mere liye sab kuch hai, aur desh se badhkar kuch nahi hota. Jai Hind! — Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) July 19, 2025 Dhawan also shared the mail he wrote to the WCL orgnisers about his decision, which was first communicated on May 11, this year. "This is to formally reiterate and confirm that Mr. Shikhar Dhawan will not be participating in any matches against the Pakistan team in the upcoming WCL League. This decision was communicated earlier during our discussion on call and WhatsApp dated 11th May 2025." "In view of the current geopolitical situation and prevailing tensions between India and Pakistan, Mr Dhawan and his team have taken this position after due consideration. We respectfully request the league's understanding and cooperation on this matter," the mail reads further. As per NDTV sources, other former India players like Harbhajan Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Yusuf Pathan also pulled out of the match against Pakistan. It isn't yet clear what decision the organisers would take if India and Pakistan reach the final of the tournament.
