Cricket | ‘Languishes in premature retirement’: Shashi Tharoor reignites call for Virat Kohli’s Test comeback | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Congress MP and famend public determine Shashi Tharoor has as soon as once more sparked debate round Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, calling it “premature” and urging the Indian stalwart to return to the longest format. Tharoor’s newest remarks got here after India’s spirited 2-2 sequence draw in England, beneath new skipper Shubman Gill, who led a younger aspect admirably in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Despite India preventing again from a 1-2 deficit with a draw in Manchester and a nail-biting win at The Oval, Tharoor couldn’t assist however mirror on what may need been with Kohli in the lineup.

“I was just admiring Joe @root66’s consistent excellence as England’s hardy perennial at age 35, while @imVkohli, just two years older, languishes in premature retirement,” Tharoor posted on social media, in reply to a debate on Kohli’s potential return.

Earlier through the fifth Test, Tharoor had already voiced his feelings, posting: “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, 36, introduced his Test retirement in May 2025, ending a stellar 14-12 months purple-ball profession with 123 Tests, 9,230 runs, 30 tons of, and a high rating of 254*. He stays India’s most profitable Test captain in England, with three wins, and was central to a number of close to-misses — together with the carefully contested 2018 sequence and the COVID-delayed 2021-22 finale.

As Team India embraces a brand new period, Tharoor’s impassioned attraction might reignite calls from followers and pundits alike for King Kohli’s purple-ball encore.