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“‘India Made a Mistake’: Madan Lal Says Virat Kohli Should Have Continued as Test Captain for ‘Two or Three More Years’”
Former India cricketer Madan Lal believes Virat Kohli transformed Indian Test cricket with his fearless leadership and says a communication gap may have cost India one of its greatest captains.
‘India Made a Mistake’: Madan Lal Opens Up on Virat Kohli’s Test Captaincy Exit
Former India cricketer Madan Lal has expressed disappointment over the way Virat Kohli‘s tenure as India’s Test captain came to an end, saying the team management should have allowed the star batter to continue leading the side for a few more years.
Speaking during an interview on a YouTube channel, Lal said Kohli played a defining role in changing the mindset of Indian cricket, especially in the Test format, where India emerged as a dominant force both at home and overseas.
According to the former World Cup-winning cricketer, Kohli’s aggressive leadership style inspired the team to believe they could win in any conditions, making India one of the strongest Test teams in the world.
Kohli Changed the Face of India’s Test Cricket
Madan Lal praised Kohli for bringing a fearless approach to red-ball cricket. He noted that India’s performances under Kohli reflected confidence, discipline, and an attacking mindset that became the team’s identity during his captaincy.
Lal admitted he was disappointed to see Kohli step away from the leadership role, believing the veteran batter still had several productive years left as captain.
He also suggested that there may have been a communication gap between Kohli and the cricket administration, which ultimately resulted in the leadership change.
‘He Could Have Continued for Two or Three More Years’
Sharing his personal opinion, Lal said the decision to end Kohli’s captaincy came too early. He believes the former skipper possessed the experience, fitness, and leadership qualities needed to guide the team for at least another two or three years.

Without naming any specific officials, Lal remarked that the selectors and management may have made an error in handling the situation.
His comments have once again reignited discussions among cricket fans about one of the most debated leadership transitions in recent Indian cricket history.
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Virat Kohli’s Lasting Legacy in Test Cricket
Although Virat Kohli finished his Test career just short of the prestigious 10,000-run milestone, his contribution extends far beyond statistics.
As captain, Kohli led India to memorable victories overseas, strengthened the team’s fast-bowling culture, and established a winning mentality that transformed India’s standing in world cricket. His passion, intensity, and commitment made him one of the country’s most successful Test captains.
Even after stepping away from the format, Kohli’s influence continues to shape the current generation of Indian cricketers.
A Debate That Refuses to Fade
Kohli resigned as India’s Test captain in early 2022, shortly after being removed as the ODI captain. Since then, many former players and cricket experts have questioned whether the transition could have been handled differently.
With Madan Lal now joining the list of voices supporting Kohli’s continued leadership, the debate over his captaincy exit has once again gained momentum.
While Indian cricket has entered a new era, Kohli’s achievements as a leader remain a benchmark, and opinions surrounding his departure continue to spark conversations among fans and experts alike.
