India’s upcoming ODI series against Australia is building more than just cricketing excitement.
Amid the buzz around team combinations and captain Shubman Gill’s leadership, former World Cup winner Madan Lal has made an emotional appeal to give Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma the farewell they truly deserve when their time eventually comes.
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Both icons, who have already stepped away from T20Is and Tests, remain active only in ODIs.
Why does Madan Lal want a special farewell for Kohli and Rohit?
Madan Lal expressed his deep admiration for the two stalwarts. He said that players like Virat and Rohit come only once in a generation and deserve a farewell that would move the entire nation emotionally.
“Rohit and Virat still have a lot of cricket left in them. They deserve a farewell that brings tears to every eye — something like what the world witnessed when Rafael Nadal retired. India must honor them the same way,” Madan Lal shared in the interview.
Madan Lal also spoke about Kohli’s current mindset, especially after his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year. He believes the upcoming ODI series in Australia will be a mental test for Kohli.
MORE: Most WTC centuries by an Indian: Shubman Gill breaks Rohit Sharma’s World Test Championship record
“Virat now needs to step out of his comfort zone as he faces a formidable Australian side. He has given everything to Indian cricket — his passion, fitness, and hunger have set the highest standards. What he needs most right now is mental strength,” Lal remarked.
Kohli, who has 14,181 runs in ODIs, the second-highest in the format’s history, continues to dominate even in his late 30s. With 51 centuries to his name, he stands as the most prolific century-maker in ODI history.
While no retirement announcement has been made, both veterans are expected to feature prominently in India’s ODI plans till at least the 2027 World Cup.
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