‘Is it too late to call Virat Kohli out of retirement…’: Shashi Tharoor urges BCCI as India struggle at The Oval

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor made an emotional appeal to Virat Kohli, urging him to reconsider his decision to retire from Test cricket.

Millions of Indian cricket fans are felt what Shashi Tharoor said. The Congress MP has urged Virat Kohli to come out of retirement as India is on the verge of yet another prepares series defeat since 2007 in England.

During the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Tharoor missed Kohli’s presence on the field throughout, but he missed him the most during the final Test at The Oval, when India was unable to break the crucial partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook.

With 268 more to win, England was down to 106/3 after centuries from Root and Brook. Tharoor took to social media and wrote on X (formerly twitter) making a heartfelt plea to the BCCI and asking if there’s still a chance to convince Kohli to reconsider his decision.

Shashi Tharoor on missing Kohli onto the field

“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.

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, a few days after reports emerged that Kohli had decided to say goodbye to the format he loved so much, he announced his retirement from Test cricket. Following his heartbreaking Instagram post, Kohli is yet to provide a suitable explanation, but he still holds Test cricket in the highest regard.

After RCB won their maiden IPL trophy Kohli said that he keeps Test cricket five levels above the rest after RCB IPL win, and just last month he said that, “you know it’s time when you have to dye your beard every four days.”

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format five days before Virat Kohli. He also made an appearance at The Oval on Saturday. Kohli, meanwhile, has kept a low profile, except for his appearances at Wimbledon and an event hosted by Yuvraj Singh in London.