‘Virat, the Nation Needs You’: Shashi Tharoor Misses Kohli Amid India’s Struggles in 5th Test vs England

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to social media to express how much he missed Virat Kohli during India’s final Test against England at The Oval, particularly as the match — and the series — appeared to slip from India’s grasp.

Sharing his sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), Tharoor wrote:

“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!”

Kohli’s Absence Felt as England Dominate

Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket in May 2025, was sorely missed as India faltered in the decisive fifth Test. With England leading the series 2-1, even a depleted side with just 10 fit players — after Chris Woakes was ruled out — looked well-positioned to seal a dramatic series win.

A pivotal moment came before lunch when Mohammed Siraj caught Harry Brook on 19, but accidentally stepped on the boundary cushion, turning a crucial wicket into six runs — a missed opportunity that summed up India’s frustrating day.

Calls to Reverse Retirement

Kohli’s retirement announcement came as a surprise to many. In his emotional Instagram post on May 12, he reflected on his 14-year journey in the whites:

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites… It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life… I’ve given it everything I had.”

Kohli ended the note with #269, his Test cap number, a symbol of pride and legacy for India’s cricketing legend.

Since then, fans and former players alike have urged him to reconsider — a chorus now joined by Tharoor, who suggested Kohli’s leadership and batting prowess might have changed the outcome at The Oval.

While there’s no indication yet of a comeback, Tharoor’s emotional appeal reflects what many Indian fans are feeling: a void in the team’s heart and spine that only Kohli seems to fill. Whether Kohli answers the call remains to be seen — but one thing is clear: his presence is still missed, deeply and widely.