Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers of his generation, left an indelible mark on Test cricket before bidding farewell to the format earlier this year. Known not only for his prodigious run-scoring, amassing 9230 runs with 30 centuries, but also for his relentless intensity and leadership, Virat Kohli was the heartbeat of India’s red-ball ambitions.
His deep affection for the traditional format, often expressed through both words and action, culminated in an emotional retirement announcement in May, where he reflected on the life-shaping nature of Test cricket and the lessons it imparted over his 14-year journey.
Now, just months later, Virat Kohli’s absence was being sharply felt during the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series between India and England. As the match at The Oval tilted decisively in England’s favour, with the hosts closing in on a daunting target of 374, the void left by the 36-year-old batter has become a focal point of national conversation.
Among those voicing this sentiment is Congress MP Shashi Tharoor who took to social media to express what many Indian fans have been feeling. He remarked that while Virat Kohli’s absence had been noticeable throughout the series, it was never more pronounced than in this crucial final clash. Tharoor noted that Kohli’s presence, marked by his fighting spirit, unwavering energy on the field and unmatched batting prowess, might have altered the trajectory of the match.
In a blend of admiration and nostalgia, he even half-jokingly questioned whether it was too late to coax the legend out of retirement, stating simply, “The nation needs you”.
Shashi Tharoor tweeted, “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 of retirement? Virat, the nation needs you! #INDvsENG”
https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1952038774361501948
The timing of Shashi Tharoor’s comments could not be more emotional. India found itself on the brink of defeat, unable to summon the kind of resilience and dominance that Virat Kohli so often brought to the crease and the field. His retirement has left more than just a statistical gap; it’s created a vacuum of temperament and inspiration, qualities that have proven invaluable in crunch moments like this. The longing for Kohli is not just about missing a great player; it’s about missing the edge, the belief and the unyielding fight he brought with him every time he wore the whites.
However the young Indian team did something because of which Shashi Tharoor was forced to apologise to them. Though Shashi Tharoor didn’t have confidence in Shubman Gill-led Indian team, the Indian players did not lose confidence in themselves and put up a great show against England and won the Oval test by 6 runs.
Shashi Tharoor once again took to X and wrote, “Words fail me….WHAT A WIN! 🇮🇳🏏 Absolutely exhilarated & ecstatic for #TeamIndia on their series-clinching victory against England! The grit, determination, and passion on display were simply incredible. This team is special. I am sorry that I expressed a spasm of doubt about the outcome yesterday. But @mdsirajofficial never stopped believing! Shabash to our heroes‼️ #INDvENG #Cricket”
https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1952336990407672077
Congratulations Team India!
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