Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor admitted he has been “missing” cricketer Virat Kohli throughout the ongoing India-England Test series at The Oval — but never more than during the fifth and final match on Sunday.
The cricketer’s “grit and intensity, his inspirational presence in the field, not to mention his abundant batting skills, might have led to a different outcome,” Tharoor remarked, raising the question of whether it is too late to call for Virat Kohli to return.
“I’ve been missing @imVkohli a few times during this series, but never as much as in this Test match. His grit and intensity, his inspirational presence in the field, not to mention his abundant batting skills, might have led to a different outcome. Is it too late to call him out if retirement? Virat, the nation needs you!” Shashi Tharoor’s post read.
In May this year, India’s top cricketer, Virat Kohli, announced his retirement from the Test format, prompting appeals nationwide to rescind the decision.
England looked set to clinch both the match and the series despite being down to 10 fit players, with all-rounder Chris Woakes sidelined due to injury. Having already pulled off a thrilling 371-run chase in the series opener at Leeds, they carried a 2-1 lead into the final Test and appeared on course for another dramatic finish.
Before lunch, Mohammed Siraj took a catch off Harry Brook at 19, but he stepped back onto the boundary cushion, converting a wicket into six runs, costing India a crucial opportunity.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life.”
Announcing his retirement, Virat Kohli wrote on Instagram on May 12, “There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever.”
“As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way,” Kohli said.
“I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” Kohli said in the post, signing off with #269. This number refers to his Test cap number, signifying that he was the 269th player to represent India in Test cricket.
