“Is It Too Late to Call Him Out of Retirement?” Shashi Tharoor Misses Virat Kohli as India Fights at The Oval
In the thick of a tense Fifth Test at The Oval, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor took to X to express heartfelt longing for Virat Kohli. With India teetering under England’s late charge, Tharoor shared that he’d missed Kohli throughout the series—but never as deeply as in this match—and posed the question: “Is it too late to call him out of retirement? Virat, the nation needs you!”
Tharoor’s Emotional Appeal & Context
During England’s chase of 374, Shashi Tharoor lamented Kohli’s absence most forcefully in the final Test: “I’ve been missing @imVkohli a few times during this series, but never as much as in this Test match.” He reflected that Kohli’s presence could have changed the tone of the game when India mattered most.
Why He Feels Kohli Could Have Helped
Tharoor cited Kohli’s grit, field intensity, inspirational influence, and clinical batting prowess as attributes that might have helped India arrest the England resurgence—particularly the key Brook‑Root stand that turned the match late on Day 4.
Kohli’s Retirement & Legacy in Test Cricket
Kohli officially retired from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, after a 14-year career spanning 123 matches, 9,230 runs, 30 centuries and an average of 46.85. He is widely regarded as one of the most passionate and technically sound Test batsmen of his generation.
Public Response & Reactions
Netizens on X showed diverse reactions—some supporting Tharoor’s plea, insisting India needs Kohli’s experience, while others urged moving forward, noting Kohli’s retirement was a personal choice and time to focus on emerging talent.
Summary Table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Shashi Tharoor | Urged Kohli’s return during Oval Test as India struggled |
| Kohli’s Qualities | Grit, leadership presence, batting skill |
| Retirement | Announced from Test cricket in May 2025 |
| Public Reaction | Mixed—support vs “move on” advice |
FAQs
What did Shashi Tharoor say about missing Virat Kohli?
He said he’s missed Kohli during the series, especially in the 5th Test, questioning whether it’s too late to call him out of retirement.
Why did Tharoor believe Kohli’s presence could matter?
He cited Kohli’s grit, on‑field leadership and inspirational presence—suggesting those qualities might have shifted the momentum during key phases.
What has been the public response to this plea?
Reactions on social media ranged from nostalgia-filled support to criticism, with many urging focus on the future rather than past legends.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified remarks from Shashi Tharoor and public reports. Please independently confirm before drawing conclusions.
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