Kohli and Rohit Should Decide Their Cricketing Future, According to Madan Lal

Former cricketer Madan Lal asserts that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should make their own decisions regarding their cricketing future, as they continue to perform well in ODIs.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma continue to impress as batsmen, according to former India cricketer and selector Madan Lal. He believes they should decide their own futures. Both players have retired from T20Is and Test cricket but remain active in ODIs, aiming for the 2027 World Cup. Their recent performances against Australia and South Africa have been crucial for India.

Lal emphasised that the decision about their careers should be left to Kohli and Sharma. "It is their decision and not anybody else’s. So it should be whatever they decide," he mentioned during an Asian Legends League Season 2 event. Their current form in ODIs suggests they are still at their peak, appearing as energetic as players in their late twenties.

Selectors and Coaches Under Scrutiny

Lal, who has experience as both a selector and coach, noted that these roles often face criticism when the team underperforms. "The first person to be criticised is the coach and the selector, I have been both, so they will get the criticism, never mind. As long as your conscience is right, that matters," he stated.

He reflected on his time when Sachin Tendulkar was captain, acknowledging that mistakes are part of the game. Tendulkar's tenure saw mixed results with India losing nine out of 25 Tests and winning four, while in ODIs, they lost 43 out of 73 matches and won 23.

Kohli and Sharma's Current Form

Their recent contributions have been significant in India's victories over Australia and South Africa in ODIs. Lal praised Kohli's running between the wickets and his ability to hit boundaries with ease. "The way Virat Kohli is running between the wickets while taking the singles and hitting the balls. It’s nice to see the way they are going," he added.

Despite stepping back from T20Is and Test formats, both players remain vital in India's ODI setup. Their fitness levels have not raised any concerns recently, further supporting their continued participation in international cricket.

Lal's comments highlight the importance of allowing experienced players like Kohli and Sharma to make decisions about their careers based on their current form and fitness. This approach respects their contributions while recognising the natural progression of a sports career.

With inputs from PTI