Madan Lal and Virat Kohli. | (Image Credits: X)
Former Indian pacer Madan Lal acknowledged that he has been taken aback by Virat Kohli’s decision to bid farewell from Test cricket. The retired Indian cricketer said the 36-year-old looked quite fit and in form; hence, it’s surprising to see him retire from the longest format so soon.
On May 10, Saturday, reports had emerged that the 36-year-old had communicated to the BCCI about wanting to retire from Test cricket. On Monday, the veteran put out a lengthy Instagram post, claiming how it was not easy to walk off from the format. However, Kohli said the timing feels right and is proud of everything he gave for.
Speaking to PTI, Madan Lal said he anticipated for Kohli to consider his future in Tests after the England series.
“Dekhiye thodi se hairani waali baat zaroor hai, kyunki hum nahin soch rahe they woh itni jaldi sanyas lega. Maine socha woh England ki series ke baad soch vichar kar sakte hain, kyunki unhone 2-3 pehle bhi kaha tha main sanyas lena chah raha hoon. Toh abhi woh kaafi fit hain aur acchi form mein bhi chal rahe they. Aur yeh unka personal decision hai, toh hum kuch keh nahin sakte.”
(I’m a little surprised because I didn’t think he would retire this soon. I thought he would play in the England series and will think about his future after that. He had said about 2-3 days ago about wanting to retire. He looks quite fit now and in good form. It’s his personal decision, so we can’t do anything about it.)
Virat Kohli last played a Test against Australia in Sydney
Meanwhile, the Delhi-born cricketer’s last of the 123 Tests came against Australia in Sydney and made only six runs in his final knock. The entire five-Test series was a dreaded one for Kohli, who started it with a hundred in Perth. However, his returns kept plummeting as the series progressed and eventually finished with 190 runs in nine innings at 23.75.
The former Indian captain finishes his Test career with 9230 runs in 123 Tests at 46.85 alongside 30 centuries. As far as his captaincy credentials go, Kohli is the most successful Test skipper India has produced, ushering the nation to 40 wins in 68 matches. The veteran is also the first Asian captain to win a Test series in Australia and has never lost one at home.
