New Delhi: Since Virat Kohli called it quits from the longest format of the game in May this year, the Indian batting superstar has received several requests to make a comeback to the Test team. Kohli, who retired on a high from the format, enjoyed a illustrious career in whites where he played pivotal role in various series’.
On Tuesday, the former Indian captain received a similar request from legendary Indian cricketer Madan Lal, who urged him to relinquish his retirement and make a comeback in the Tests. This comes after India suffered a 22-run loss in the Lord’s Test match against England on Monday going down 1-2 in the five-match series. Despite a super fightback, the team was unfortunate as they faced a narrow loss.
It is also being learnt that the Indian cricket board did not want the legendary batter to retire from the format but it was Kohli who was bent upon calling it quits and staying active in just the 50-over format. Although, the number four spot has been filled up by skipper Shubman Gill up to perfection as he mustered more than 500 runs in the series but after India failed to a chase a 193-run target in the last innings, several experts have criticised the batters.
It’s not too late: Madan Lal to Virat Kohli
In an interaction with CricketPredicta, Madan Lal said that Kohli’s passion for Indian cricket was unmatched and he wishes that the legendary batters takes a u-tun and comes back to Test cricket. The former Indian player further said that there is nothing wrong with returning and if he does not think of it in this series, he should do it in the next Test series.
Lal, who played a pivotal role in India’s World Cup-winning campaign in 1983, further said that he strongly believes that Kohli should reverse his retirement because he can still play for a couple of years and pass on his experience to the youngsters in the side. At last, he was quoted as saying that it’s not too late, please come back.
Kohli retired after playing 123 Test matches and scoring over 9000 runs in the format. India next play England in the fourth Test match at the Old Trafford in Manchester from July 23 to 27.