Shashi Tharoor has expressed how much he misses seeing former India captain Virat Kohli in Test cricket. He posted a tweet on X in the middle of the fifth Test of the ongoing series between India and England at The Oval.
Kohli had retired from Test cricket in May this year, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious career in the format. His decision led to repeated calls from fans for him to reconsider his retirement.
Virat Kohli finished with 9,230 Test runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties.
Shashi Tharoor Calls for Virat Kohli’s Comeback in Tests
Tharoor felt Kohli’s grit, intensity, leadership on the field, and world-class batting could have influenced the outcome of the match which is still ongoing.
The Congress leader even wondered if it was too late to call Kohli out of retirement and urged the star batter to make a 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 of retirement? Virat, the nation needs you!" Tharoor tweeted.
The post quickly picked up attention online with many echoing Tharoor’s wish to see Kohli in the Indian Test whites again.
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Decider Set for Dramatic Finish
England seemed on course for victory after Harry Brook and Joe Root added 195 for the fourth wicket in pursuit of 374. But late breakthroughs from Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna saw Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell and Joe Root fall in quick succession towards the end of day’s play.
Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton will start Day 5 at the crease. Chris Woakes, nursing a shoulder injury, is expected to bat if the situation demands. A win for India will level the series 2-2, while an England victory will ensure a 3-1 result.
