Virat, the nation needs you: Shashi Tharoor reignites debate on Kohli’s Test return

Dubai: As India battle to avoid a 1-3 series defeat against England, the absence of Virat Kohli has taken centre stage in the national conversation — again. While cricket fans are still holding out hope for a dramatic turnaround on the fifth day at The Oval, off-field discussions are echoing an unmistakable sentiment: India miss Kohli. Desperately.

Adding fuel to the emotional outpouring, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor on Saturday tweeted: “I’ve been missing @imVkohli a few times during this series, but never as much as in this Test match… Is it too late to call him out of retirement? Virat, the nation needs you!” The post quickly went viral, resonating with fans disheartened by the team’s inconsistency in pressure situations.

The fifth Test has mirrored India’s larger Test batting conundrum. After being bowled out for 224 in the first innings, they clawed back through Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s four-wicket hauls, then rode on a counter-attacking century from Yashasvi Jaiswal and vital lower-order runs to set England a 374-run target. But a 195-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook tilted the game England’s way. At stumps on Day 4, the hosts were just 35 runs away from sealing the series, albeit with only four wickets in hand and Chris Woakes uncertain to bat due to injury.

That India find themselves on the back foot despite spirited performances from debutants and fringe players underlines what they’re missing: not just Kohli the batter, but Kohli the presence.

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal, a 1983 World Cup winner, had earlier voiced his desire to see Kohli return to Test cricket. “It’s my wish that he comes back. There’s nothing wrong in returning,” he said at an event in Dubai. For many, Kohli’s retirement — announced in May just before the England series — was abrupt and emotionally jarring, especially given the timing after India’s losses to New Zealand at home and in Australia.

At 36, Kohli’s best years may be behind him statistically, but his numbers remain elite. In 123 Tests, he scored 9,230 runs at 46.85, including 30 centuries. From 2016 to 2019, he averaged nearly 67 — an era of sustained brilliance. As captain, he won Tests in every SENA country and remains India’s most successful red-ball leader with 40 victories.

It’s not just nostalgia driving the clamour. Kohli’s ability to lift intensity, dominate world-class attacks, and thrive in pressure makes him a unique asset — especially in a team now navigating generational change. While Shubman Gill has impressed with over 700 runs in his first series as captain, the middle order has faltered under pressure.

The BCCI has clarified that Kohli’s decision to step away was personal and respected. But public sentiment seems less willing to accept the finality of it.

Tharoor’s tweet, half in jest but full of sentiment, has become the lightning rod for a larger truth: Indian cricket is learning to live without Kohli, but not everyone is ready to let go.