Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to X (formerly Twitter) to express how much he’s been ‘missing’ Virat Kohli during the ongoing India-England Test series. But it was the fifth and final match at The Oval that made him feel Kohli’s absence the most.
In his post, Tharoor wrote about how Kohli’s presence could have made a difference in the tense finale.
“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!” Shashi Tharoor’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…
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 3, 2025
Kohli retired from Test Cricket in May
Virat Kohli had announced his retirement from the Test format earlier this year, in May. He played his last red-ball game after a 14-year-long career that included 123 Test matches.
On Sunday, England seemed well on track to win the Test and seal the series 3-1. Despite being one player short – with all-rounder Chris Woakes out due to injury – they showed resilience, much like their 371-run chase in the first Test at Leeds. They already had a 2-1 series lead coming into this match.
India had a crucial moment slip away just before lunch. Mohammed Siraj caught Harry Brook when he was on 19, but stepped on the boundary cushion, turning what could have been a wicket into six runs.
When announcing his retirement, Kohli shared an emotional message reflecting on his journey. “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.”
He also 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.”
Kohli’s legacy in numbers
Virat Kohli leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Test cricket. Over 123 matches, he scored 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85. He hit 30 centuries along the way. While his peak years came between 2016 and 2019, his form dipped in the early 2020s before making a comeback in 2023.