Former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal expressed disappointment on Virat Kohli’s decision to call time on his Test career. Kohli had hanged his boots from the red-ball format in May 2025 and now plays only the ODI format for India.
Lal reckons Kohli could have continued for two-three years in the multi-day format and he should have continued as the team’s captain.
The veteran amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. In the last 69 Test innings since 2020, Kohli has managed only 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries.
Before 2020, Kohli accumulated 7202 runs in 141 Test innings at an average of 54.97, including 27 centuries.
The right-hander scored 190 runs in five Test matches on the Australian tour and was continuously troubled by the outside off-stump line, getting dismissed while trying to play through the covers.
Madan Lal said on YouTube Channel KADAK, “I do feel a little disappointed about Virat, as there was still a lot of Test cricket left in him. Virat gave Indian cricket a new direction. He brought aggression and showed the team how to win. But I don’t know what happened with Virat. I don’t know who the selector was at the time, but I think they made a mistake. He should have been allowed to continue as captain. That’s my personal opinion. I believe there was some communication gap between them because, in my view, Virat could have continued as captain for another two or three years.”
On the other hand, the 1983 World Cup-winning player added that Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli should continue playing ODIs as long as they are fit and performing consistently.
“Yes, absolutely, they should continue. There are two things to look at: fitness levels and performance. If they can maintain both, then they should keep playing.”
The 75-year-old said Kohli is one of the smartest cricketers he has ever seen in his life.
“I can explain this with Virat. He is one of the smartest cricketers I have ever seen in my life. He reads the game, understands the situation, and thinks accordingly. If three wickets have already fallen, he knows it’s his responsibility to bat in a way that takes the team to a score from where they can either fight or even win the match. Earlier, people used to say that Virat didn’t bat quickly. It was never about batting fast. He reads the situation, understands the game, and plays according to what the team needs.”
Kohli and Rohit will be next seen in action in the ODI series against the West Indies.
