As India face yet another high-stakes battle in the ongoing England Test series, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor is reminiscing about one of their retired stalwarts.
In the midst of a tense fifth Test at the Oval, as the Indian team struggled to break a crucial partnership and defeat loomed, Tharoor publicly expressed what millions of supporters were thinking-he was missing Virat Kohli more than ever before.
Shashi Tharoor took to social media to share his sentiments, missing Kohli’s presence, energy, and leadership. His message was both a tribute to the former Test captain’s impact and a stirring call for his return. The Congress leader’s post read,
“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!”
Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, had been absent throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Tharoor’s comments reignited the national debate about Kohli’s role and the void his departure left. While others debated team combinations and new leadership, Tharoor’s remarks immediately went viral, reflecting a nostalgic yearning for the “inspirational presence in the field” that Kohli brought:
“His grit and intensity, his abundant batting skills, might have led to a different outcome.”
Kohli’s 14-year Test career was marked by 9,230 runs, 30 centuries, dominant performances overseas, and a reputation for relentless intensity-attributes Tharoor and many fans now sorely miss.
As the fate of the series hangs in the balance, Tharoor’s public plea captures a nation’s longing and placed Kohli’s absence under an even brighter spotlight. With India’s cricketing future in transition, Tharoor’s words echo not just as a fan’s wish, but a reminder of the indelible mark Virat Kohli has left on Indian Test cricket.
The India stalwart retired from the red ball format in May and will only continue in the ODI format. India’s next 50-over assignment is set to be against South Africa later this year and Kohli is poised to make a return to the national time at that time.