As Team India struggles in the England Test series, missing key moments and losing the crucial Lord’s Test while chasing a modest target, the absence of one man is being felt more than ever — Virat Kohli. While fans are dissecting the performances of Shubman Gill and others, a heartfelt voice has emerged from Indian cricket’s golden past. Former World Cup-winning all-rounder Madan Lal has made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, asking him to reconsider his retirement from Test cricket.

Kohli, who surprisingly announced his retirement from Tests in May, has left a noticeable void in India's red-ball setup. His decision, which came just before the England tour, shocked fans and cricket experts alike. And now, as India battles inconsistency in the series, voices like Madan Lal’s are growing louder — hoping for a reversal.

In a recent interview, Madan Lal expressed his deep admiration for Kohli's unmatched passion and commitment to Indian cricket. He said, “Virat Kohli’s passion for Indian cricket is unparalleled. I wish he would withdraw his retirement from Tests. There is nothing wrong in reversing such a decision. If not in this series, then maybe the next one — but he should come back.”

Kohli’s name has been repeatedly mentioned throughout the series. Whether it was Shubman Gill’s aggressive celebration, sledging incidents, or India’s collapse under pressure — each moment seemed to echo what might have been if Kohli were on the field. His intensity, experience, and ability to rally the team are sorely missed, especially in challenging overseas conditions like England.

However, the chances of a return look slim. During his recent appearance at Wimbledon, Kohli hinted that he had made peace with his decision. He reportedly said that his time in Test cricket had come to a natural end — signaling no intent to reconsider.

Virat Kohli, who ended his illustrious Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, an average above 46, and 30 centuries, remains one of India’s greatest ever red-ball players. His departure has left both a statistical and emotional gap that the current team is struggling to fill.

For now, the appeal by Madan Lal may be more of a tribute than a turning point — a reflection of how deeply Kohli’s presence is valued and how dearly he is missed. Whether this wish turns into reality remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Test cricket doesn’t feel quite the same without Virat Kohli.