As India prepares for their three-match ODI series against Australia starting October 19, former India all-rounder Madan Lal has called for an extraordinary farewell for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, comparing it to Rafael Nadal’s retirement celebrations in tennis.
With both players having retired from Test and T20I cricket, Lal emphasised that Kohli, 36, and Rohit, 38, are once-in-a-generation talents whose immense contributions to Indian cricket merit an emotionally moving send-off.
“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,” Lal said.
Currently focused on ODIs, Kohli and Sharma are preparing to make a final impact before the 2027 ODI World Cup. Both players continue rigorous practice and fitness routines, with Rohit training extensively in Mumbai. Their performance against Australia will not only be closely watched but could influence their international future.
BCCI Vice President Rajiv Shukla clarified that retirement decisions are entirely up to the players. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill has been appointed ODI captain, while Kohli and Rohit provide crucial experience and leadership.
Madan Lal highlighted the grandeur of Nadal’s farewell at Roland Garros 2025, where legends Federer, Djokovic, and Murray attended, 15,000 fans donned “Merci Rafa” T-shirts, and Nadal’s footprints were immortalised on Court Philippe-Chatrier. Lal believes Indian cricket should honour Kohli and Rohit in a similarly memorable fashion.
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