Congress MP Shashi Tharoor made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, urging him to reconsider his retirement from Test cricket.
Shashi Tharoor Calls for Virat Kohli’s Return Amid India’s Struggles in England
As India face the prospect of another series defeat in England—their fourth since 2007—Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced the sentiments of countless Indian cricket fans by urging Virat Kohli to reconsider retirement. Tharoor admitted missing Kohli’s presence throughout the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, especially during the Oval Test, where India struggled to break a pivotal century partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook.
With England at 106/3 and needing 268 runs, Root and Brook’s stand shifted momentum firmly in England’s favor. Tharoor made a heartfelt plea, possibly directed at the BCCI, questioning if there’s still a chance for Kohli to reverse his decision.
“I’ve been missing Virat Kohli 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.
Virat Kohli’s Test retirement
Virat Kohli shocked the cricketing world by announcing his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, just days after reports hinted at his decision to walk away from the format he cherished most. While fans still await a detailed explanation—aside from his emotional Instagram post that left hearts broken—Kohli has consistently expressed deep reverence for Test cricket. Even after winning the IPL with RCB, he ranked Test cricket “five levels above” all else, humorously adding just last month, “you know it’s time when you have to dye your beard every four days.”
Unlike Rohit Sharma, who also retired from the longest format around the same time and made an appearance at The Oval during the final Test, Kohli has maintained his distance from the series. Apart from a few public glimpses at Wimbledon and a London event hosted by Yuvraj Singh, he’s kept a low profile.
Now, with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor urging him to return, the question remains: will Kohli reconsider? Given the 36-year-old’s history of standing firm once a decision is made, a comeback appears unlikely—but Indian fans can still hope.
