Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has opened up on Virat Kohli’s Test retirement and believes the veteran batter must have been mentally tired. Lal revealed he was surprised when Kohli announced his Test retirement on Monday.

The Indian veteran amassed 9230 runs in 123 Test matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. Kohli always played with full throttle and must not have had much left in his tank for the red-ball version.

In the last 69 Test innings since 2020, Kohli has managed only 2028 runs at an average of 30.72, including just three centuries. Before 2020, Kohli accumulated 7202 runs in 141 Test innings at an average of 54.97, including 27 centuries.

Madan Lal told Mid-Day, “I am a bit surprised because there was definitely some cricket left in him. He could have taken a call after the England series. I don’t think his form was the same as five years back, but it’s difficult for it to be the same.”

“I think he’s mentally tired. Though I feel he could’ve continued for one or two more years, depending on his fitness and performance, I believe that after the last series in Australia, mentally he must have decided this,” he added.

Lal hailed Kohli for his guile and also lauded the batter for putting extra effort into his fitness to get the best out of himself.

“I will always remember Virat as one of the most intelligent batsmen. In India, you don’t get a lot of players like him. He put a lot of focus on fitness, but I guess one has to face it that it’s tough to handle expectations of the people. Also, I feel he needs to think about his family and other stuff.”

Kohli led India in 68 Test matches, winning 40, drawing 11 and losing 17, and thus he is regarded as one of India’s most successful Test captains.