Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma [Source: @BCCI/x.com]
The debate around Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s future in ODIs has been relentless. Now, former India cricketer Madan Lal has shared his two cents on the same.
Madan Lal’s emotional words for the legends
The Indian veteran believes that the iconic duo deserve nothing less than a farewell that moves the entire nation to tears as he compared their stature to that of tennis legend Rafael Nadal.
Both Rohit and Virat have already retired from T20Is and Tests, sparking questions about how long they will continue in the 50-over format. With Shubman Gill now leading the ODI side, speculation about whether the two greats will feature in the 2027 World Cup has been buzzing louder than ever.
Speaking on Cricket Predicta TV, Madan Lal made his thoughts loud and clear.
“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. Players like them are once-in-a-generation,” he said.
It was a rare emotional outburst from the former World Cup winner, who underlined the pair’s influence on Indian cricket both on and off the field.
On Virat Kohli’s retirement from Tests
Madan Lal admitted he was taken aback when Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, calling it an unexpected decision.
“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. Retirement is his personal choice, but yes, I was surprised when he decided to retire from Test cricket,” Madan Lal said.
A defining tour for India’s icons
India’s tour of Australia kicks off on October 19 in Perth with the first ODI followed by ODIs on October 23 and 25. The trip marks Rohit and Kohli’s return to international cricket after nearly eight months away, having last played during the Champions Trophy win earlier this year.
Both head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have made it clear that the duo’s future will be handled “one series at a time.”
For now, Indian cricket is in that delicate phase: balancing nostalgia and transition. With Shubman Gill leading the charge and the veterans still firing, this Australian tour might just set the tone for what comes next.