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Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said he had never missed Virat Kohli as much as he did in the final India-England clash in London. Kohli retired from Test cricket in May.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor missed Virat Kohli as India neared a defeat in the final Test against England. (Agencies)
As the ongoing Tendulkar-Anderson trophy between India and England comes to a close, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor highlighted cricketer Virat Kohli’s absence from the high-octane series, saying that the nation needed him.
Tharoor said he never missed Kohli as much as he did in the final India vs England clash, where the visitors are on the verge of defeat as the Ollie Pope-led side has all but reached the 374-run target at the Oval.
“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!” 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…— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 3, 2025
On May 12, Virat Kohli, one of India’s cricketing legends and an unparalleled champion of Indian Test cricket, announced his retirement in the long format. He scored 9230 runs at an average of 46.85. He struck 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries.
The 36-year-old wrote that Test cricket has taught him valuable life lessons while professing his love for the format he so vocally championed throughout his career.
“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket,” Kohli wrote. “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. 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.”
Meanwhile, England has all but clinched the fifth Test in London against India while chasing the 374-run target, thanks to twin centuries by Harry Brook and Joe Root, who added 195 runs for a brilliant fourth-wicket partnership that ran the Indian bowlers ragged.
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More
Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More
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