ENG vs IND 2025: ‘It’s not too late yet, please come back’ Former legend made a special request to Kohli to withdraw his Test retirement

In a deeply emotional and heartfelt message that has stirred fans across the country, 1983 World Cup winner and former Indian all-rounder Madan Lal has publicly expressed his desire to see Virat Kohli back in the white jersey once again. Despite Kohli’s recent retirement from Test cricket, Madan Lal’s passionate plea has reignited hopes among millions who still dream of watching the legendary batter grace the longest format of the game. His words come not only as a former cricketer but as someone who understands the pride, struggle, and emotional weight of representing India on the Test stage.

Speaking during an interaction with CricketPredicta, Madan Lal’s voice echoed with nostalgia and admiration as he said, “Virat Kohli’s passion for Indian cricket was unmatched. I wish he makes a comeback to Test cricket. There is nothing wrong with a comeback. If not in this series, he should make a comeback in the next series.” These words were not just a casual statement — they reflected the collective sentiment of fans who have followed Kohli’s extraordinary career and witnessed his unmatched intensity and hunger to win.

Madan Lal went on to stress how important Kohli still is to Indian cricket — not just as a batsman, but as a leader, a motivator, and an inspiration to the younger generation. According to him, Kohli’s energy, discipline, and aura in the dressing room continue to influence rising talents. His presence on the field boosts confidence, sets a standard, and brings unmatched value to the team’s overall morale. The emotional weight of Madan Lal’s words has triggered widespread discussions, trending hashtags, and passionate appeals from fans, many of whom are now urging Kohli to reconsider his Test retirement.

Joining this wave of admiration and hope, Sunil Yash Kalra, a noted cricket scholar and the host of Cricket Predict, also shared his views. He said, “Kohli’s hunger and fitness are intact. It’s rare to see someone not playing despite being one of the best players — he still has a lot to offer in Test cricket.” Kalra’s words reflect what many cricket lovers believe: that Kohli still has a significant role to play in India’s Test success story. His fitness remains world-class, his shot selection is sharper than ever, and his experience is irreplaceable. Many feel that if fitness, form, and desire remain, retirement shouldn’t be the end — especially for a cricketer of Kohli’s stature.

Madan Lal, who is himself one of the most respected figures in Indian cricket, knows a thing or two about comebacks and resilience. A vital member of India’s 1983 World Cup-winning team, Madan Lal has always valued dedication and grit. Over his international career, he played 39 Test matches and 67 ODIs, amassing over 1,400 runs and picking up 144 wickets. In domestic cricket, he remains a legend, with more than 10,000 runs and 625 wickets in first-class cricket. His words, therefore, carry weight — not just as a fan, but as someone who’s seen Indian cricket evolve and understands the value of experience.

While Virat Kohli has not made any official statement in response to these appeals, the voice of Madan Lal has struck a chord. It has brought back hope — the kind of hope that only a player like Kohli can inspire. His fierce determination, his record-breaking performances, and his undying love for the Test format remain etched in Indian cricket history. And now, thanks to Madan Lal’s moving appeal, fans once again believe that we may not have seen the last of Virat Kohli in whites.