As India Struggles in 5th Test, Tharoor’s Viral Tweet Highlights Kohli’s Absence and Fan Frustration
🏏 Shashi Tharoor Misses Virat Kohli Amid India’s Test Struggles
With India facing a likely defeat in the 5th and final Test against England, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor added fuel to fan frustrations with a viral tweet that questioned the absence of Virat Kohli, India’s most aggressive and celebrated batter of the modern era.
Taking to social media, Tharoor wrote:
“I’ve missed Virat Kohli throughout 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!”
💬 Why Tharoor’s Tweet Went Viral
- The post resonated with fans who believe Kohli’s intensity and leadership could’ve made a difference in this high-pressure match.
- Tharoor referred to Kohli’s trademark on-field energy, mental grit, and prolific run-scoring, all of which India seems to be lacking in crunch situations.
The tweet has been viewed as both tongue-in-cheek and symbolic of deeper issues with the current squad’s composition and on-field presence.
📉 India’s Performance in the 5th Test: A Quick Recap
- First Innings (India): 224 all out
- England First Innings: 247 all out (England led by 23 runs)
- Second Innings (India): 396, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s century
- Target for England: 374 runs
- England’s Progress: 339/6 when rain stopped play, needing just 35 more runs
- Key Partnership: Brook (111) and Root (105) put up a 195-run stand
👥 Fan Sentiment: Kohli’s Absence Felt Deeply
Despite strong contributions from young talents like:
- Shubman Gill (700+ runs as captain in the series)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul,
Kohli’s experience and aggressive mindset have been sorely missed.
🔄 Is a Kohli Comeback on the Cards?
While Kohli is on a personal break from cricket, Tharoor’s post has revived debate about:
- India’s batting depth in Test cricket
- The leadership gap in tense match situations
- The symbolic and strategic value of a player like Kohli, even in transition periods
The selectors and team management have stood by the current squad, but pressure from fans and public figures may influence future decisions, especially ahead of major international fixtures.
📌 In Summary
Shashi Tharoor’s tweet wasn’t just a nostalgic call—it captured the sentiment of millions of Indian cricket fans disheartened by near-defeats and missed opportunities. Whether Kohli returns soon or not, his presence continues to loom large over India’s Test performances.
Also Read : “Thoda Toh Contribute Karo!”: Akash Deep’s Stunning Fifty Shuts Down Dressing Room Banter
