India is facing a 1-2 deficit in the five-match Test series after losing to England in the London Test, and at the same time, former Indian all-rounder and World Cup winner Madan Lal has appealed to Virat Kohli to return to Test cricket.
Madan Lal says that Virat Kohli should take back his retirement and transfer his experience to young players.
The former Indian all-rounder added that “Virat Kohli’s passion for Indian cricket was unparalleled. I wish he would come back to Test cricket after retirement. There is no shame in that, if not in this series, then come back in the next one.”
While talking to the media, Madan Lal added, “I think Virat can easily play for another 1-2 years. You left suddenly, it is not too late, please come back.”
It should be noted that Virat Kohli had announced his retirement from Test cricket just a month before the England tour, which ended his brilliant career. Virat scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85 with 31 centuries and 31 half-centuries, becoming India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Tests.
Virat Kohli’s departure left a gap at number 4 in India’s batting line-up, which young captain Shubman Gill has impressed with his performance to fill. Shubman Gill scored 147 runs in the Leeds Test, while he played brilliant innings of 269 and 161 in the second Test at Edgbaston. His performance in the third Test of the series was not impressive, but despite this, he is the highest run-scorer in the series so far with 607 runs at an average of 101.17.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said that after the third evening of the third Test, when the tension in the atmosphere increased, the England team took its performance to a new level. According to Michael Vaughan, Shubman Gill did not look as calm and technically strong as before while batting on the fourth evening. In the third Test, Shubman could only score 16 and 6 runs, while India lost the match by 22 runs despite the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja and the lower order.
India’s failed run chase in London and the void of Virat Kohli’s absence was keenly felt, and several former cricketers, including Madan Lal, believe that Virat Kohli’s return can give new strength to the Indian team. Now it remains to be seen whether Virat decides to return to Test cricket, fulfilling the hopes of his fans and the team.
