'Players like them are once-in-a-generation': Kapil Dev's World Cup-winning teammate urges BCCI for Rafael Nadal-like farewell to Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Former India cricketer Madan Lal lavished praise on veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of their upcoming ODI assignment against Australia. With the batting duo retiring from T20Is and Tests, there are speculations around their ODI future. Since Rohit has been removed from captaincy, the speculations have been about whether they will be part of the 2027 World Cup or not.

Madan Lal for Rohit and Virat's retirement

Madan Lal, who was a part of Kapil Dev-led 1983 World Cup-winning side, believes that Rohit and Virat are once-in-a-generation players and both talwarts deserve a farewell similar to Rafael Nadal in tennis.

“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 honour them the same way. Players like them are once-in-a-generation,” cricket predicta TV show.

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Madan Lal's advice to Kohli

Madan Lal, who was shocked by Kohli's Test retirement, advised the modern-day great to stay mentally strong and step out of his comfort zone against Australia.

“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,” said Madan Lal.

Rohit and Virat are currently in Australia, sweating out in nets at the Optus Stadium in Perth, before the three-match ODI series against Australia. This will be the duo's first cricketing outing since the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where India defeated New Zealand to win the title.

India's squad for Australia ODIs

Shubman Gill (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer (VC), Axar Patel, KL Rahul (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal.